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
Examples of oath in a Sentence
an oath to defend the nation
He uttered an oath and walked away.
Recent Examples on the Web
Before the election begins, the cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel, take an oath of secrecy and seal the church's doors, meaning only the electors are allowed inside.
—
Greta Cross, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
Attorney General Pamela Bondi said Schultz betrayed his oath to defend the U.S., putting America’s military and service members at risk.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
But a prosecutor must abide by the oath to uphold the Constitution and laws of the United States and the rules of professional ethics set by the bar and the courts.
—Mike Levine, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2025
Viewers also see the sealing of the deceased pope’s room and the destruction of his ring, the oaths taken by the cardinals before voting, and the sweeping of the Sistine Chapel for listening devices, all of which are accurate depictions, per CNN.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oath
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Greta Cross, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
Attorney General Pamela Bondi said Schultz betrayed his oath to defend the U.S., putting America’s military and service members at risk.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
But a prosecutor must abide by the oath to uphold the Constitution and laws of the United States and the rules of professional ethics set by the bar and the courts.
—Mike Levine, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2025
Viewers also see the sealing of the deceased pope’s room and the destruction of his ring, the oaths taken by the cardinals before voting, and the sweeping of the Sistine Chapel for listening devices, all of which are accurate depictions, per CNN.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oath
Cite this Entry
“Oath.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oath. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share