mar·riage 
/ˈmerɪʤ/ noun
plural mar·riag·es /ˈmerɪʤ/ noun 1 a : the relationship that exists between a husband and a wife [count] ▪ It was his second marriage. ▪ They have a very happy marriage. ▪ Her first two marriages ended in divorce. [noncount] ▪ She has old-fashioned ideas about marriage. ▪ the institution of marriage ▪ He proposed marriage to his girlfriend. [=asked his girlfriend to marry him] ▪ couples living together before marriage ▪ They were joined in marriage [=they were married] last year. ▪ They are related by marriage. [=they are related because one of them is married to a family member of the other] — see also arranged marriage, civil marriage, marriage of convenience, mixed marriage
b : a similar relationship between people of the same sex [count] ▪ a same-sex marriage [noncount] ▪ opponents/supporters of same-sex marriage ▪ gay marriage 2 [count] : a ceremony in which two people are married to each other
▪ Many friends and relatives were present at their marriage. ▪ a priest who has performed many marriages 3 [singular] : a close union of or between two things
▪ a marriage of sweet and spicy flavors ▪ a marriage of science and art ▪ a marriage between form and function
b : a similar relationship between people of the same sex [count] ▪ a same-sex marriage [noncount] ▪ opponents/supporters of same-sex marriage ▪ gay marriage
▪ Many friends and relatives were present at their marriage. ▪ a priest who has performed many marriages
▪ a marriage of sweet and spicy flavors ▪ a marriage of science and art ▪ a marriage between form and function
marriage bed — see 1bed
