vigil

noun

vig·​il ˈvi-jəl 

1

: the act of keeping awake at times when sleep is customary

also : a period of wakefulness

2

: an event or a period of time when a person or group stays in a place and quietly waits, prays, etc., especially at night

a candlelight vigil

kept vigil at her bedside

3

a

: a watch formerly kept on the night before a religious feast with prayer or other devotions

b

: the day before a religious feast observed as a day of spiritual preparation

c

: evening or nocturnal devotions or prayers

—usually plural

Synonyms of vigil

• watch
• surveillance

Examples of vigil in a Sentence

kept vigil at their ailing son's bedside the entire time he was in the hospital

Recent Examples on the Web

The students at the vigil were accompanied by Sarah Wade, a mother of six who has two children who attend Valley High. — Ruby Grisin, Louisville Courier Journal, 30 Aug. 2026

Some attendees at the vigil spent time around the gray Chevy Silverado before heading home for the night. — Pj Green august 30, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026

McGregor’s victim, Darius Brazell, was a 55-year-old handyman so beloved in the community that mourners risked a rare public gathering to hold a vigil for him during the COVID-19 pandemic in August 2020. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026

The special nighttime ceremony will feature two light columns representing the Twin Towers, a candlelight vigil, a musical tribute including the Dundee-Crown High School marching band and guest speakers. — Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English vigile, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin vigilia watch on the eve of a feast, from Latin, wakefulness, watch, from vigil awake, watchful; akin to Latin vigēre to be vigorous, vegēre to enliven — more at wake

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Phrases Containing vigil

• keep vigil
• vigil light

Kids Definition

vigil

noun

vig·​il ˈvij-əl 

1

a

: the day before a religious feast

b

: prayers or religious services held in the evening or at night

—usually used in plural

2

: an act or period of staying awake at times when one normally would be sleeping

an all-night vigil spent awaiting her return

3

: an act or period of attentive watching : watch

kept vigil at the bedside of his ill son