vow

1 of 3

noun

ˈvau̇ 

: a solemn promise or assertion

specifically : one by which a person is bound to an act, service, or condition

vow

2 of 3

verb (1)

vowed; vowing; vows

transitive verb

1

: to promise solemnly : swear

2

: to bind or consecrate by a vow

intransitive verb

: to make a vow

vower

ˈvau̇(-ə)r 

noun

vow

3 of 3

verb (2)

vowed; vowing; vows

transitive verb

: avow, declare

Synonyms

Noun

• promise
• pledge

Verb (1)

• promise
• swear
• pledge

Examples of vow in a Sentence

Noun

The monks take a vow of silence.

The bride and groom exchanged vows.

The mayor made a vow to reduce crime.

Verb (1)

she vowed to love him forever

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In the days before the vow renewal, Victoria Beckham shared European vacation photos showing the family – David, Victoria and Brooklyn's siblings Cruz, Harper and Romeo – enjoying time together on a yacht and at a French truffle restaurant. —Edward Segarra, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025

Sliwa reiterated his vow not to suspend his campaign. —Erin Doherty, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025

Verb

Activists vow to protect a display on George Washington's ties to slavery. —Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025

Hungary's top diplomat told Newsweek that the only path to obtaining peace in Ukraine and ensuring Europe's security ran through a stable relationship between the United States and Russia, vowing Budapest would not back down in the face of pressure from EU and NATO allies on this front and others. —Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English vowe, from Anglo-French vou, from Latin votum, from neuter of votus, past participle of vovēre to vow; akin to Greek euchesthai to pray, vow, Sanskrit vāghat sacrificer

Verb (2)

Middle English, short for avowen

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Verb (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing vow

• simple vow
• solemn vow
• vow of chastity

Rhymes for vow

• bough
• brow
• chow
• ciao
• clow
• cow
• dao
• dow
• frau
• hao
• hau
• how

Kids Definition

vow

1 of 2 noun

ˈvau̇ 

: a solemn promise or statement

vow

2 of 2 verb

1

: to make a vow or as a vow

2

: to bind or make holy by a vow

Legal Definition

vow

1 of 2 noun

: a solemn promise or statement

especially : one by which a person is bound to an act, service, or condition

vow

2 of 2 transitive verb

1

: to promise solemnly

2

: to bind or commit by a vow

intransitive verb

: to make a vow

vower noun