1
: a usually formal, solemn, and binding agreement : compact
… international law, which depends upon the sanctity of covenants between rulers.—
George H. Sabine
George H. Sabine2
a
: a written agreement or promise usually under seal between two or more parties especially for the performance of some action
the deed conveying the land contained restrictive covenants
b
: the common-law action to recover damages for breach of such a contract
covenanted; covenanting; covenants
: to promise by a covenant : pledge
: to enter into a covenant : contract
Examples of covenant in a Sentence
Noun
an international covenant on human rights
The restrictive covenants of the building development prohibit the construction of buildings over 30 feet tall.
Verb
a traditional rule held that a husband could not enter into a covenant with his wife, because that was the equivalent of covenanting with himself
the home buyers had to covenant that they would restore and keep the house for at least 10 years in exchange for a low mortgage rate
Recent Examples on the Web
Matthew Scogin, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
In short, the Catholic Church affirmed that the Jews are part of a living covenant and that antisemitism — including false charges of deicide — are heresy.
—Joshua Stanton, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025
After violating financial covenants for more than $700 million in revenue bonds, Palomar was forced to sign a forbearance agreement with lenders, committing to hire outside consultants and create a turnaround plan.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025
The company also reported compliance with all financial covenants related to its Series 2022 Bonds.
—Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for covenant
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Noun
Culture Shift: When Trust Becomes Contagious Upon matriculation, every Hope Forward student signs a covenant, promising to give back to their alma mater every year for the rest of their lives, beginning the year after graduation.
—Matthew Scogin, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
In short, the Catholic Church affirmed that the Jews are part of a living covenant and that antisemitism — including false charges of deicide — are heresy.
—Joshua Stanton, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025
After violating financial covenants for more than $700 million in revenue bonds, Palomar was forced to sign a forbearance agreement with lenders, committing to hire outside consultants and create a turnaround plan.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025
The company also reported compliance with all financial covenants related to its Series 2022 Bonds.
—Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for covenant
Cite this Entry
“Covenant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/covenant. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
covenant
1 of 2 noun
cov·e·nant
ˈkəv-(ə-)nənt 
: a solemn agreement : contract
covenant
2 of 2 verb
cov·e·nant
ˈkəv-(ə-)nənt
-ə-ˌnant
1
: to promise by a covenant : pledge
2
: to enter into a covenant
Legal Definition
covenant
noun
cov·e·nant
ˈkə-və-nənt
1
: an official agreement or compact
an international covenant on human rights
2
a
: a contract in its entirety or a promise within a contract for the performance or nonperformance of a particular act
a covenant not to sue
specifically
: a promise relating to the transfer, possession, or ownership of real property see also covenant not to compete, restrictive covenant
b
: a warranty in a deed assuring the grantee especially against defects in title
a covenant for quiet enjoyment
see also run
covenant
verb
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