bridegroom
UK: /ˈbraɪdɡruːm/ | US: /ˈbraɪdɡruːm/
n. a man who is about to be married or has recently been married
The word "bridegroom" originates from Old English brȳdguma, combining brȷ̄d (bride) and guma (man). Over time, guma (which also meant "servant" or "attendant") was replaced by the unrelated word "groom" (originally meaning "boy" or "male servant"), likely due to phonetic similarity. This shift reflects the cultural association of a groom as both a husband and a caretaker. The modern spelling solidified by the 16th century.
The bridegroom waited nervously at the altar.
She kissed the bridegroom after exchanging vows.
The bridegroom’s family hosted a rehearsal dinner.
Traditional customs require the bridegroom to carry his bride over the threshold.
The bridegroom smiled as he saw his bride walk down the aisle.