Meaning & use
engagement rings
Last updated
“engagement rings” is a form of “engagement ring”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nouncountable
Rings, typically with a precious stone, given by one partner to the other when they agree to marry.
Grammar: Countable noun; the singular is 'engagement ring'. Use 'a' or 'the' with the singular: She wore a beautiful engagement ring.
Patterns
- buy an engagement ring
- give someone an engagement ring
- wear an engagement ring
He spent months saving for one of those expensive engagement rings.
Engagement rings are traditionally worn on the ring finger of the left hand.
The couple chose matching engagement rings with small diamonds.
Word forms
| singular | engagement ring |
|---|
Common combinations
- diamond engagement ring
- She showed everyone her new diamond engagement ring.
- buy an engagement ring
- He went to three shops to buy an engagement ring.
- wear an engagement ring
- In many cultures, women wear an engagement ring on the left hand.
- engagement ring finger
- The engagement ring finger is usually the fourth finger of the left hand.
Synonyms and how they differ
- wedding ring
- A wedding ring is exchanged during the marriage ceremony, while an engagement ring is given when the couple agree to marry.
Word family
- engagement noun
- An agreement to marry someone; also an appointment or arrangement to meet.
- engage verb
- To attract someone's interest or to employ someone; not directly related to rings.
Commonly confused: engagement rings or wedding ring?
engagement rings vs wedding ring
A wedding ring is worn after the wedding ceremony, while an engagement ring is worn from the time of the engagement.
Practice
He bought a beautiful ______ to give to his girlfriend when he proposed.
Choose one answer.
The singular 'engagement ring' is correct because he bought one ring. 'Wedding ring' is wrong because it is exchanged at the wedding, not at the proposal. The plural forms do not fit 'a beautiful'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “engagement rings”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.