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

Military items, including a spearhead and a slinger's lead shot, were also found, along with a votive oil lamp and a lead seal. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 20 Nov. 2025

Where To Find Vases At Dollar Tree The glass vase and votive container section is located in one of two sections in most Dollar Trees. —Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 20 Nov. 2025

Noun

Thanks to an adjustable neck, the warmer is compatible with all candle sizes, from votives to 22-ounce jar candles. —Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 3 Dec. 2025

To make them, Espiricueta renders leftover brisket fat in the oven overnight, strains the liquid, steeps it with shallots, garlic, and herbs, and molds the mixture into votives. —Patricia Kaowthumrong, Denver Post, 2 Dec. 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