oath

noun

ˈōth 

plural oaths ˈōt͟hz 

ˈōths

1

a(1)

: a solemn usually formal calling upon God or a god to witness to the truth of what one says or to witness that one sincerely intends to do what one says

(2)

: a solemn attestation of the truth or inviolability of one's words

The witness took an oath to tell the truth in court.

b

: something (such as a promise) corroborated by an oath

They were required to swear an oath of loyalty.

took the oath of office

2

: an irreverent or careless use of a sacred name

broadly : swear word

He uttered an oath and stormed away.

Synonyms

• pledge
• promise
• troth
• vow
• word

Examples of oath in a Sentence

an oath to defend the nation

He uttered an oath and walked away.

Recent Examples on the Web

Trump committed a gross violation of the Constitution, the most brazen violation yet of his oath to uphold it. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025

During the event, President Trump administered the oath that swore into the Army a large body of young men and women who are willing to risk their lives to preserve our country and freedom. —Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 18 June 2025

Trump swore in 250 new recruits and returning soldiers into service, with soldiers repeating an oath after him. —Lolita C. Baldor, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2025

Rude awakening Boot camp was a rude awakening for the recruits who had taken their oaths of enlistment at Met Stadium. —Nick Woltman, Twin Cities, 15 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ooth, from Old English āth; akin to Old High German eid oath, Middle Irish oeth

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing oath

• Hippocratic oath
• oath of office
• on oath
• under oath

Rhymes for oath

• both
• doeth
• growth
• loath
• quoth
• sloth
• troth
• ingrowth
• outgrowth
• undergrowth

Kids Definition

oath

noun

ˈōth 

plural oaths ˈōt͟hz 

ˈōths

1

: a solemn appeal to God or to some deeply respected person or thing to witness to the truth of one's word or the sincerity of a promise

under oath to tell the truth

2

: a careless or improper use of a sacred name

also : swearword

Medical Definition

oath

see hippocratic oath

Legal Definition

oath

noun

1

: a solemn attestation of the truth of one's words or the sincerity of one's intentions

specifically : one accompanied by calling upon a deity as a witness

2

: a promise (as to perform official duties faithfully) corroborated by an oath compare perjury