bridegroom: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal; the primary term used in official, religious, and celebratory contexts.
Quick answer
What does “bridegroom” mean?
A man on his wedding day, or just before or after it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A man on his wedding day, or just before or after it; a man who is about to be married or is newly married.
The term can occasionally refer to a man in the context of his wedding ceremony and the associated celebrations. In some legal or historical contexts, it can denote a newly married man.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is standard in both varieties. The short form 'groom' is equally common in both regions.
Connotations
Formal and traditional in both contexts. The full 'bridegroom' is often used in official documentation, religious ceremonies, and speech-making, while 'groom' is common in general conversation.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in formal written contexts. In everyday conversation, 'groom' is more common than the full 'bridegroom'.
Grammar
How to Use “bridegroom” in a Sentence
[determiner] + bridegroombridegroom + of + [bride]the role/position of (the) bridegroomVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bridegroom” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the wedding industry (e.g., 'bridegroom package', 'bridegroom attire') and in legal documents pertaining to marriage.
Academic
Used in sociological, historical, or anthropological studies of marriage and kinship.
Everyday
Common in wedding-related conversations and formal invitations.
Technical
Used in legal terminology (marriage certificates, contracts) and in some religious liturgies.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bridegroom”
- Misspelling as 'bridegroom' (confusing the 'groom' part with horse care). Using 'bridegroom' to refer to a fiancé years before the wedding is contextually incorrect. Using it for a married man long after the ceremony.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Bridegroom' is the full, slightly more formal term. 'Groom' is the common short form. They are completely interchangeable in meaning.
Yes, in the context of a same-sex wedding between two men, either or both could be referred to as the 'bridegroom' or 'groom'. Language is evolving, and some couples may prefer other terms, but the word itself is not gender-restrictive in modern usage.
It is most accurate for the period immediately surrounding the wedding day (e.g., on the day, during the honeymoon). Shortly after, he is typically referred to as a 'newlywed' or simply 'husband'.
It is spelled 'bridegroom'. The 'groom' part comes from Middle English 'grom' or 'groom' meaning 'male servant' or 'young man', which replaced the original Old English 'brydguma' ('bride's man'). The modern spelling with 'groom' was fixed by the 16th century due to folk etymology, even though it's unrelated to a horse groom.
A man on his wedding day, or just before or after it.
Bridegroom is usually neutral to formal; the primary term used in official, religious, and celebratory contexts. in register.
Bridegroom: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbraɪdɡrʊm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbraɪdɡrʊm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like a bridegroom on his wedding day (looking very happy and smart)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'BRIDE' and the 'GROOM'. A 'groom' traditionally looks after something precious; here, he is the man joining the bride in marriage.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BRIDEGROOM IS A CENTRAL FIGURE IN A CEREMONIAL EVENT.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most appropriate context for the word 'bridegroom'?