Dowry, property that a wife or wife's family gives to the husband upon marriage. In certain societies the dowry formed a part of an exchange of wealth between intermarrying families; it was often accompanied by some payment made by the groom to the bride's family, called the bride-price. This social and economic arrangement is still a fundamental part of certain African cultures.

Although recognized in common law, and often forming an important element in the arrangement known as a marriage settlement in the United Kingdom, the dowry is almost unknown in the United States. In most countries, it constitutes a distinct and important form of property. The dowry is given to the husband, who has exclusive control and administration of it during marriage, to be employed in defraying the expenses of the family. The dowry may also serve as insurance against bad treatment of the wife by the husband; it must be forfeited to the wife or wife's family in case of divorce. The wife may not deprive the husband of its control, and he, on the other hand, is bound to protect the property that he receives as dowry.