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

• oath
• pledge
• promise
• troth
• word

Verb (1)

• covenant
• pledge
• promise
• swear

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

Gina and Iain said their vows at an intimate ceremony held at the Schumacher family villa in Mallorca, Spain. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024

Having Ella there for the ceremony was meaningful to Sumpter, who also had her daughter by her side during her vow exchange. —Alexandra Hurtado, People.com, 20 Dec. 2024

Verb

Trump has repeatedly vowed to end the conflict within 24 hours. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024

Trump also has vowed to remove subsidies for purchasing EVs, which have assisted in spurring sales while federal benefits still exist. —Michael Wayland, CNBC, 23 Dec. 2024

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

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