vigilance

noun

vig·​i·​lance ˈvi-jə-lən(t)s How to pronounce vigilance (audio)
: the quality or state of being vigilant

Examples of vigilance in a Sentence

eternal vigilance is the price of freedom
Recent Examples on the Web The constant vigilance may help keep the nests safe from predators like the brown skua bird, which feeds on penguin eggs and chicks. Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Nov. 2023 That danger underlines the importance of consumer and corporate vigilance. Quinn Owen, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2023 In overview remarks at the meeting’s onset, NASA’s Lori Glaze, head of the space agency’s planetary science division, offered a clear-eyed assessment of the challenges ahead and advised vigilance. Leonard David, Scientific American, 14 Nov. 2023 South Korea’s hotel and tour industry is stepping up vigilance with distribution of repellent and training for staff. Reuters, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2023 Nevertheless, these latest statements have the potential to resonate and spark reactionary unrest and exploitative violence beyond the region, warranting elevated vigilance on the part of law enforcement personnel. Catherine Herridge, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2023 In the roles of two pub patrons, Emily Erickson and Mallorie Stern hit the right notes of vigilance and flirtatiousness. Celia Wren, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2023 Even apart from such misfortunes, the job had little to recommend it: twenty-four-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week vigilance, minimal pay (the annual equivalent of eleven thousand dollars today), and duties that required a watchmaker’s precision and brute strength. Dorothy Wickenden, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2023 Comité Champagne would like to congratulate Belgian customs officials for their vigilance. Alexander Sammon, Harper's Magazine, 11 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vigilance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vigilance was in 1533

Dictionary Entries Near vigilance

Cite this Entry

“Vigilance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vigilance. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

vigilance

noun
vig·​i·​lance ˈvij-ə-lən(t)s How to pronounce vigilance (audio)
: the quality or state of being vigilant

Medical Definition

vigilance

noun
vig·​i·​lance ˈvij-ə-lən(t)s How to pronounce vigilance (audio)
: the quality or state of being wakeful and alert : degree of wakefulness or responsiveness to stimuli
vigilant adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on vigilance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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