1. (

• marriage ,
• matrimony ,
• union ,
• spousal_relationship ,
• wedlock

) the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce); "a long and happy marriage"; "God bless this union" ;

2. (

• marriage ,
• married_couple ,
• man_and_wife

) two people who are married to each other; "his second marriage was happier than the first"; "a married couple without love" ;

3. (

• marriage ,
• wedding ,
• marriage_ceremony

) the act of marrying; the nuptial ceremony; "their marriage was conducted in the chapel" ;

4. (

• marriage ,

) a close and intimate union; "the marriage of music and dance"; "a marriage of ideas" ;