engagement ring

engagement ring (plural engagement rings)

1. 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.
   1. 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.

• wedding ring