covenant

1 of 2

noun

cov·​e·​nant ˈkəv-nənt 

ˈkə-və-

1

: a usually formal, solemn, and binding agreement : compact

… international law, which depends upon the sanctity of covenants between rulers.

—George H. Sabine

2

a

: a written agreement or promise usually under seal between two or more parties especially for the performance of some action

the deed conveying the land contained restrictive covenants

b

: the common-law action to recover damages for breach of such a contract

covenantal

ˌkə-və-ˈnan-tᵊl 

adjective

covenant

2 of 2

verb

cov·​e·​nant ˈkəv-nənt 

-ˌnant,

ˈkə-və-

covenanted; covenanting; covenants

transitive verb

: to promise by a covenant : pledge

intransitive verb

: to enter into a covenant : contract

Synonyms

Noun

• accord
• alliance
• compact
• convention
• pact
• treaty

Verb

• agree
• bargain
• contract

Examples of covenant in a Sentence

Noun

an international covenant on human rights

The restrictive covenants of the building development prohibit the construction of buildings over 30 feet tall.

Verb

a traditional rule held that a husband could not enter into a covenant with his wife, because that was the equivalent of covenanting with himself

the home buyers had to covenant that they would restore and keep the house for at least 10 years in exchange for a low mortgage rate

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The filing also details various financial agreements, including a waiver obtained for non-compliance with the Senior Leverage Ratio covenant under its Credit Agreement. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024

The complaint seeks an undetermined amount of monetary damages for six claims, including fraud, defamation, and breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Upon conducting research to discover why the numbers of Blacks living in Glencoe fell so sharply during the 1920s, the historical society concluded Booth oversaw a plan placing racially restrictive covenants on homes in southern Glencoe. —Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2024

Like Christianity, the church promotes a faithful covenant between man and wife. —Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from present participle of covenir to be fitting, from Latin convenire

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

covenant

1 of 2 noun

cov·​e·​nant ˈkəv-(ə-)nənt 

: a solemn agreement : contract

covenant

2 of 2 verb

cov·​e·​nant ˈkəv-(ə-)nənt 

-ə-ˌnant

1

: to promise by a covenant : pledge

2

: to enter into a covenant

Legal Definition

covenant

noun

cov·​e·​nant ˈkə-və-nənt 

1

: an official agreement or compact

an international covenant on human rights

2

a

: a contract in its entirety or a promise within a contract for the performance or nonperformance of a particular act

a covenant not to sue

specifically : a promise relating to the transfer, possession, or ownership of real property see also covenant not to compete, restrictive covenant

b

: a warranty in a deed assuring the grantee especially against defects in title

a covenant for quiet enjoyment

see also run

3

: a common-law action to recover damages for breach of a contract under seal compare assumpsit, debt

covenant verb