oath

play

noun \ ˈōth \

Definition of oath

plural oaths play \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.

See oath defined for English-language learners

See oath defined for kids

Examples of oath in a Sentence

an oath to defend the nation
He uttered an oath and walked away.

Recent Examples of oath from the Web

Rucker testified under oath Tuesday afternoon and disputed that Canfield’s termination was tied to a lack of church involvement.

— hunter woodall, kansascity, "In trial, employee from Kobach’s office says she was fired for not going to church," 22 Aug. 2017
During the hearings, lawyers cross-examine witnesses and the Citizens Review Board members are able to ask questions of the witnesses, who are under oath.

— anna douglas, michael gordon, steve harrison and fred clasen-kelly, charlotteobserver, "Post-shooting CMPD policy advice should be public, city leaders say," 14 Aug. 2017
Now, he's accused of lying under oath about events leading up to that action.

— darcy costello, The Courier-Journal, "Former Kentucky State Police detective accused of lying under oath about evidence," 11 Aug. 2017
Though given to reckless oaths, Trump is not in this case saying anything that departs significantly from the past half century of futile American policy toward North Korea.

— matt thompson, The Atlantic, "Radio Atlantic: Kurt Andersen on How America Lost Its Mind," 11 Aug. 2017
But on July 25, 1972, the public learned that doctors in Alabama had violated that oath in what's now known as the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment.

— brittney mcnamara, Teen Vogue, "Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment Discovered 45 Years Ago," 25 July 2017
While the news that neither Trump Jr. nor Manafort would be under oath caused a stir online, experts were quick to note that neither will be off the hook.

— vanityfair.com, "Donny Jr. Triples His Legal Team Ahead of Senate Interrogation," 24 July 2017
Police Chief Robert Regalbuto gave Kranig the oath of office and was touched by the emotional event.

— nicole darrah, Fox News, "Wisconsin boy with rare disease sworn in as police officer in New Jersey beach town," 18 July 2017
But two localist lawmakers who asserted that Hong Kong was not part of China in their oath-taking ceremony were quickly ousted from the legislature.

— chicagotribune.com, "The long arm of China's law is coming down heavy on Hong Kong," 17 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'oath.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of oath

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

oath Synonyms

Synonyms

promise, pledge, troth, vow, word

Related Words

appointment, arrangement, commitment, engagement, obligation; agreement, compact, contract, covenant; assurance, guarantee, guaranty, undertaking; bail, bond, deposit, gage, pawn, security, token, warranty

OATH Defined for English Language Learners

oath

play

noun

Definition of oath for English Language Learners

: a formal and serious promise to tell the truth or to do something
: an offensive or rude word that is used to express anger, frustration, surprise, etc.

OATH Defined for Kids

oath

play

noun \ ˈōth \

Definition of oath for Students

plural oaths \ˈōt͟hz, ˈōths\

1 :a solemn promise to tell the truth or do a specific thing

2 :an obscene or impolite word used to express anger or frustration

Medical Dictionary

oath

medical Definition of oath

— see hippocratic oath

Law Dictionary

oath

noun

legal Definition of oath

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

— under oath

:under a solemn and especially legal obligation to tell the truth (as when testifying)