common-law marriage

Noun

Meaning

a marriage relationship created by agreement and cohabitation rather than by ceremony

Source: WordNet

Alternative names

common law marriage

Synonyms

cohabitation concubinage civil union civil marriage common-law relationship de facto union domestic partnership common-law union common law unions common-law partnership common-law spouses common-law relations de facto relationship common law relationships adult interdependent relationship

Show all synonyms

Antonyms

civil partnership traditional marriage Boston marriage customary marriage religious marriage

Hypernyms

union marriage matrimony wedlock spousal relationship

Related terms

common law

Examples

Although it is not clear whether the two were ever formally married, Morehouse lived with Cummings in a common-law marriage until his death in 1962. Source: Internet

His longest relationship lasted more than three decades, a common-law marriage to Marion Morehouse. Source: Internet

His parents lived in a common-law marriage and were not legally married. Source: Internet

In May 2012 Judge James Taylor ruled that while Price had indeed lived in Coleman's home after their marriage ended, their relationship at the time of his death failed to meet Utah's standard for a common-law marriage. Source: Internet

Unlike the typical ceremonial marriage with legal contract, wedding ceremony, and other details, a common-law marriage may be called "marriage by habit and repute (cohabitation)." Source: Internet

Close letter words and terms

common-and-garden common-law cohabitation common-law couple common-law marriages common-law partnership common-law relations