votive

1 of 2

adjective

vo·​tive ˈvō-tiv 

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

votive

2 of 2

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

A simple picture-propping shelf can display votives and flowers.

—Nancy Sotomayor

compare vigil light

Examples of votive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Around two millennia ago, this area was a lake where warriors would throw these items, likely as votive offerings, after battle. —Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 30 Jan. 2025

Get all the warmth and light from a candle without the flame or smoke (any votive from our list might make a nice companion gift). —Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 30 Jan. 2025

Noun

In Wayne’s greenhouse—where tomato seedings unfurled each spring—we’d gather for Christmas dinner, the trusses wound with twinkle lights and the long table laid with votives. —Anna Noyes, Bon Appétit, 16 Dec. 2024

Candle lovers will delight in the rich jewel tones of the glass votives that glimmer as the flame illuminates their delicate embossing. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin votivus, from votum vow

First Known Use

Adjective

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1956, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing votive

• votive candle
• votive mass

Kids Definition

votive

adjective

vo·​tive ˈvōt-iv 

: consisting of or expressing a vow, wish, or desire

a votive prayer