1
: consisting of or expressing a vow, wish, or desire
a votive prayer
2
: offered or performed in fulfillment of a vow or in gratitude or devotion
votively
adverb
votiveness
noun
plural votives
: a short thick candle used especially as a prayer offering or for decoration : votive candle
… I will light a votive for those who need affordable housing and pray their needs are met.—
Mary Pat Rowland
Mary Pat RowlandA simple picture-propping shelf can display votives and flowers.—Nancy Sotomayor
compare vigil light
Nancy SotomayorExamples of votive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the WebShea Simmons, Peoplemag, 10 Sep. 2024
The votive altar dates to the 1st century CE, from the Roman period, and experts believe it was dedicated to Larrahe, an ancient Basque deity.
—The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 20 June 2024
Dominique Fluker, Essence, 9 Oct. 2024
The clear borosilicate glass beautifully reflects candlelight—a clever way to elevate plain votives.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 17 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for votive 
Adjective
Place the piece over a string of fairy lights for a whimsical vibe, or add votive electric candles for some romantic ambience.
—Shea Simmons, Peoplemag, 10 Sep. 2024
The votive altar dates to the 1st century CE, from the Roman period, and experts believe it was dedicated to Larrahe, an ancient Basque deity.
—The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 20 June 2024
Noun
Amber and smoke skull votives add an element of creepy to a mantel or tabletop.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 9 Oct. 2024
The clear borosilicate glass beautifully reflects candlelight—a clever way to elevate plain votives.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 17 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for votive
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'votive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near votive
Cite this Entry
“Votive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/votive. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
votive
adjective
vo·tive
ˈvōt-iv 
: consisting of or expressing a vow, wish, or desire
a votive prayer
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