courtship

Everyday

1. (science) Special behaviour that animals use to attract a mate, such as dancing, singing, showing off bright feathers or bringing gifts: «the courtship dance of the peacock». tree →
2. (old-fashioned) The time when two people are getting to know each other romantically before getting married. tree →
3. (formal) Trying hard to win someone's support or favour: «the company's courtship of new customers». tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on animal behaviour and life cycles, courtship comes before mating: male peacocks spread their tails, bowerbirds decorate nests, birds sing, and penguins give pebbles. In older novels and history, couples have a «courtship» with walks and visits before marriage. Phrases: «courtship display», «courtship dance», «courtship ritual».

Examples

• The peacock spreads its tail in a courtship display. tree →
• Male birds sing in spring as part of courtship. tree →
• Some penguins give a pebble as a courtship gift. tree →
• In the old novel, their courtship lasted three years. tree →
• Bowerbirds decorate their bowers with blue things during courtship. tree →
• Great crested grebes do a famous courtship dance on the water. tree →
• Scientists filmed the frogs' courtship calls at night. tree →
• This was his courtship, and it lasted all through the summer. tree →

Note

Uncountable in general (animal courtship), countable for one relationship (a long courtship). The old-fashioned verb «court» means to try to win someone's love («He courted her for a year»). Not connected to the meaning «law court».