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

Locals say the economy will grind to a halt if the town gets swept up in President-elect Donald Trump’s vows of mass deportations. —Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024

In 1914, Kolbe professed final vows, taking the name Br. —Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 8 Dec. 2024

Verb

As law enforcement gathered information about the life and recent whereabouts of the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, an attorney representing the suspect vowed to fight extradition to New York City. —Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024

Separately, President Joe Biden has vowed to support Syria’s neighbors during the transition from the Assad regime and to protect US personnel in their continued mission against ISIS. —Alexandra Banner, CNN, 10 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