as in dating
the series of social engagements shared by a couple looking to get married
a long-married couple who look back on their whirlwind courtship with fondness and laughter
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Recent Examples of courtship
Generally speaking, roosters perform courtship displays that involve wing-dragging, circling and food-calling — elaborate sequences meant to impress potential mates and communicate social standing within a flock.
—
Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2026
Male peafowl, called peacocks, are known for their screeching calls and plumage, including a long train of feathers that’s displayed during courtship rituals.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Even his courtship with Bess Wallace was accented by Truman contriving a tennis court for her — the dynamics of which are captured through photos of and letters about his efforts.
—Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2026
Meghan and Harry’s whirlwind romance began in July 2016 after they were introduced by a mutual friend, quickly escalating from a low-profile courtship to a royal engagement by November 2017.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for courtship
Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2026
Male peafowl, called peacocks, are known for their screeching calls and plumage, including a long train of feathers that’s displayed during courtship rituals.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Even his courtship with Bess Wallace was accented by Truman contriving a tennis court for her — the dynamics of which are captured through photos of and letters about his efforts.
—Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2026
Meghan and Harry’s whirlwind romance began in July 2016 after they were introduced by a mutual friend, quickly escalating from a low-profile courtship to a royal engagement by November 2017.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for courtship
Recent Examples of Synonyms for courtship
Noun
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David Kuang, a 21-year-old Columbia University student, said the economics of dating can make every outing feel like a gamble.—
Charlotte Morabito,
CNBC,
25 Apr. 2026
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However, the pair first sparked public dating rumors when they were reportedly spotted out together at a Halloween party later that month.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Song of the Goddess, 1992, which Pau made while living in New York, is a tribute to the secret real-life romance between two female Cantonese opera stars, Yam Kim-fai and Pak Suet-sin.—
Pauline J. Yao,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
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There were sequels, corsets, and movie romances in an age when the genre was dying.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Courtship.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courtship. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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