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

The candles are safe and sturdy while the wick burns bright and clean; each votive is large enough to last up to 12 hours. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2026

This includes a beautiful set of glass candlesticks from my best friend, a few small votive holders, and a set of matches in a porcelain striker that’s too cute to be in a cabinet anyway. —Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 10 Feb. 2026

Noun

The subtle glow of lanterns and votives, meanwhile, is ideal for winding down with friends over a glass (or two) of wine. —Maggie Burch, Southern Living, 8 June 2026

Each glass votive has a blue and white tye-dye pattern, and holds up to 15 ounces of BiteFighter Torch Fuel, BiteFighter Clean Burn Torch Fuel, or Tiki brand Citronella Torch Fuel. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2026

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

Rhymes for votive

• motive
• automotive
• locomotive
• electromotive
• emotive
• promotive

Kids Definition

votive

adjective

vo·​tive ˈvōt-iv 

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

a votive prayer