engagement ring

engagement ring (plural engagement rings)

1. (jewelry) A ring given to one's fiancé(e) or intended fiancé(e), signifying a promise to wed, typically a gold band with one or more diamonds or other precious stones.
2. (by extension) Any ring that has the appearance of a ring given as a promise to wed.
   • 2010, Donald L. Maly, Oasis of Hope, page 20:

     After about five minutes we dug up an old engagement ring.

   • 2014, Holly Martin, The Guestbook‎:

     Wednesday: I found an engagement ring on the beach this morning, beautiful little thing, a diamond the shape of a teardrop and two clusters of tiny sapphires on either side.

• mangagement ring

• commitment ring
• wedding ring