vow

1 of 4

noun (1)

ˈvau̇ How to pronounce vow (audio)
Synonyms of vow
: a solemn promise or assertion
specifically : one by which a person is bound to an act, service, or condition

vow

2 of 4

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 How to pronounce vow (audio)
noun

vow

3 of 4

verb (2)

vowed; vowing; vows

transitive verb

: avow, declare

vower

4 of 4

noun (2)

vow·​er ˈvau̇(ə)r How to pronounce vower (audio)
-au̇ə
plural -s
: one that vows

Synonyms of vow

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Noun (1)

Verb (1)

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of vow in a Sentence

Noun (1) 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Prior to their June wedding at Ksar Char-Bagh in Marrakech, the couple exchanged vows with a city hall ceremony. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026 Once Walsh and Colton recited their vows and were officially declared husband and wife, their attendants sent a parachute announcing the news to the people on the ground. — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
Parties that likely would support Eisenkot have vowed to improve Israel's international standing and work to conscript ultra-Orthodox men while bolstering the independence of the judiciary. — Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 2026 Eisenkot — who lost his son and two nephews to combat in Gaza — has vowed to end the de facto exemptions. — Giovanna Dell'orto, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vow

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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

and Noun (2)

First Known Use

Noun (1)

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of vow was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing vow

Rhymes for vow

See All Rhymes for vow

Browse Nearby Words

Vouvray
vow
vowel
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vow. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

vow

1 of 2 noun
ˈvau̇ How to pronounce vow (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on vow

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vow

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