Definition

Noun (plural): 1. A wedding ceremony and its associated festivities; the marriage ceremony. Refers specifically to the formal event or celebration where a marriage is solemnized.

Usage

• The word "nuptials" is a formal and somewhat literary term for a wedding. It is almost always used in its plural form.
• It emphasizes the ceremonial and celebratory aspects of the event.

Examples

• The royal nuptials were attended by dignitaries from around the world.
• They are saving money for their upcoming nuptials in June.
• The entire village celebrated the couple's nuptials with a feast.

Advanced Usage

• The singular form "nuptial" is almost never used to mean the ceremony itself. Instead, "nuptial" functions as an adjective (e.g., , ).
• The phrase "to solemnize nuptials" is a very formal way to say "to perform a wedding ceremony."

Variants and Related Words

• Nuptial (adjective): Of or relating to marriage or a wedding.
  • The couple exchanged nuptial vows.
• Wedding (noun): The more common and general term for the marriage ceremony and celebration.
• Marriage ceremony (noun phrase): A formal description of the event.

Synonyms

• Wedding
• Marriage ceremony
• Bridal (used adjectivally, e.g., )

Idioms and Phrases

• To tie the knot: (Informal idiom) To get married.
  • They finally decided to tie the knot after ten years together.
  • (Note: This idiom is related in meaning but is a casual alternative, not a direct synonym for the formal "nuptials").

Noun

1. the social event at which the ceremony of marriage is performed