conjugal

adjective

con·​ju·​gal ˈkän-ji-gəl How to pronounce conjugal (audio)
 also  kən-ˈjü-
: of or relating to the married state or to married persons and their relations : connubial
conjugal happiness
conjugality noun
conjugally
ˈkän-ji-gə-lē How to pronounce conjugal (audio)
 also  kən-ˈjü-
adverb

Examples of conjugal in a Sentence

newlyweds still in a rapturous state of conjugal happiness
Recent Examples on the Web Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh’s conjugal coat of arms has been spied online shortly after a royal crest on Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s new website caused a commotion. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 21 Feb. 2024 The disco-pop/rock-opera musical chronicles Imelda’s life, from her roots in abject poverty through the fall of her husband’s regime (often described as a conjugal dictatorship) at the hands of the People Power Revolution. Time, 27 July 2023 Also, this micronutrient helps enhance your conjugal longevity too. Discover Magazine, 29 Apr. 2023 Most sexologists admit the fact that tiring workdays and hectic schedules can cause a drastic deterioration in one's conjugal life. Discover Magazine, 29 Apr. 2023 The embrace in question is between husband and wife, which is conjugal to some, carnal to others. Brian T. Allen, National Review, 28 Jan. 2023 There’s some queasiness, though, in seeing their conjugal awakening while our minds are occupied by Mary’s violation. Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2023 In every book, contempt and hostility between the heroine and hero morphed, at the last minute, into an outpouring of mutual desire resulting in a conjugal union. Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2021 Unmarried seniors, for instance, can sometimes be considered conjugal partners. Washington Post, 7 Oct. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'conjugal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin conjugalis, from conjug-, conjux husband, wife, from conjungere to join, unite in marriage

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of conjugal was in 1545

Dictionary Entries Near conjugal

Cite this Entry

“Conjugal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conjugal. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

conjugal

adjective
con·​ju·​gal ˈkän-ji-gəl How to pronounce conjugal (audio)
kən-ˈjü-
: of or relating to marriage
conjugally adverb

Medical Definition

conjugal

adjective
con·​ju·​gal ˈkän-ji-gəl, kən-ˈjü- How to pronounce conjugal (audio)
: of or relating to the married state or to married persons and their relations
conjugal happiness
conjugally adverb

Legal Definition

conjugal

adjective
con·​ju·​gal ˈkän-jə-gəl How to pronounce conjugal (audio)
: of or relating to marriage or to married persons and their relationships

More from Merriam-Webster on conjugal

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