vow

1 of 3

noun

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 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 How to pronounce vow (audio)
noun

vow

3 of 3

verb (2)

vowed; vowing; vows

transitive verb

: avow, declare

Synonyms of vow

Relevance

Noun

Verb (1)

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
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
Both grooms wrote their own vows, but one of the ceremony’s most memorable roles belonged to Zuckerman’s 90-year-old grandmother, who served as their flower girl and walked alongside both of their mothers. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 The gargoyles decide to claim New York as their new home and vow to protect it. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
House Democratic leadership is vowing repercussions for two centrists who blindsided Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) by joining with Republicans on Tuesday to force a vote on condemning socialism. — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 2 Sep. 2026 But the Venezuela deal further stretches the bounds of its mandate, involving oil instead of a classic critical technology, and has already prompted Democrats to vow to investigate. — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vow

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

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 3 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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