to-be I. \ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷\adjective Etymology: from the infinitive phrase to be : that is to be : future — usually used postpositively and often in combination < mothers-to-be > < his victim to-be — Stuart Atkins > < a charming bride-to-be > II. noun (-s) Etymology: from the infinitive phrase to be : what is to be : future < I work and write for the to-be — Marie Corelli >