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

• promise
• pledge

Verb (1)

• promise
• swear
• pledge

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

Democratic senators voiced skepticism about Miran's vow to uphold the independence of the Fed, while Republican members applauded Miran's commitment on the issue and appeared poised to lend support to his nomination. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2025

Sykes’s older brother, Jacob, married the pair, who wrote their own wedding vows. —Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025

Verb

Lugo addressed his rough patch with The Star and vowed to work through his current skid. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2025

The former leader — who faces decades in prison if convicted — has vowed to stand in next year’s presidential election despite a ban against him running, a stance analysts believe will damage the right’s chances of returning to power. —Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 3 Sep. 2025

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

Rhymes for vow

• bough
• brow
• chow
• ciao
• clow
• cow
• dao
• dow
• frau
• hao
• hau
• how

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