votive

1 of 2

adjective

vo·​tive ˈvō-tiv 

1

: consisting of or expressing a vow, wish, or desire

a votive prayer

2

: offered or performed in fulfillment of a vow or in gratitude or devotion

votively adverb

votiveness noun

votive

2 of 2

noun

plural votives

: a short thick candle used especially as a prayer offering or for decoration : votive candle

… I will light a votive for those who need affordable housing and pray their needs are met.

—Mary Pat Rowland

A simple picture-propping shelf can display votives and flowers.

—Nancy Sotomayor

compare vigil light

Examples of votive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

This year, excavators found numerous statues of massive proportions, as well as votive statues that were found in the backfill area from 1885. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2025

Use spare room in a closet to hang your tablecloths to keep them freshly pressed, and a low-profile Tupperware bin under a bed makes for great placemat or votive storage. —Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 13 June 2025

Noun

Use a mix of tapers, votives, and pillars in various heights. —Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 June 2025

Then arrange votives, or candles in hurricanes, on a table for a warm glow. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin votivus, from votum vow

First Known Use

Adjective

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1956, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing votive

• votive candle
• votive mass

Rhymes for votive

• motive
• automotive
• locomotive
• electromotive
• emotive
• promotive

Kids Definition

votive

adjective

vo·​tive ˈvōt-iv 

: consisting of or expressing a vow, wish, or desire

a votive prayer