noun
courtship
KAWT-shihp
noun
1
The period or process of romantically pursuing someone, usually before marriage.
"Their courtship lasted three years before they got engaged."
"The novel follows the courtship of two young aristocrats."
2
Behavior used by an animal to attract a mate.
"The peacock's elaborate display is part of its courtship ritual."
How to Use Courtship
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe process of romantically pursuing a partner, or (for animals) the ritual behavior used to attract a mate.
Common pairings
courtship ritual
brief courtship
courtship display
Word Forms
courtships plural
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Their _____ lasted three years before they got engaged.
Etymology
Formed from court plus the suffix -ship, which turns it into a noun describing a state or process.