vow

noun

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\ ˈvau̇

Definition of vow

(Entry 1 of 3)

: a solemn promise or assertion specifically : one by which a person is bound to an act, service, or condition

vow

verb (1)

vowed; vowing; vows

Definition of vow (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : to promise solemnly : swear

2 : to bind or consecrate by a vow

intransitive verb

: to make a vow

vow

verb (2)

vowed; vowing; vows

Definition of vow (Entry 3 of 3)

transitive verb

: avow, declare

Other Words from vow Synonyms Example Sentences Phrases Containing vow Learn More About vow

Examples of vow in a Sentence

Noun The monks take a vow of silence. The bride and groom exchanged vows. The mayor made a vow to reduce crime.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun In one of the first attacks on Mr. O’Rourke, the Abbott campaign highlighted his vow during the presidential campaign to take away AR-15 rifles. — New York Times, 24 July 2022 In one of the first attacks on O’Rourke, the Abbott campaign highlighted his vow during the presidential campaign to take away AR-15 rifles. — J. David Goodman, BostonGlobe.com, 24 July 2022 Pressure on Biden to engage with the Saudis has mounted in recent months, despite his vow to isolate the country. — Cleve R. Wootson Jr., Washington Post, 15 July 2022 Staton wasted little time trying to make good on her backstage vow to David Ruffin. — David Gambacorta, Longreads, 13 July 2022 Despite his vow to Tartaglia, Cardano taught these results to his talented assistant Ludovico Ferrari. — Quanta Magazine, 30 June 2022 Buzbee made good on his vow Monday to join the Houston Texans as a defendant by filing an initial suit against them on behalf of one of the four women still suing Watson. — cleveland, 27 June 2022 Ten days later at Joe Louis Arena, McCarty remembered his 10-month-old vow. — Detroit Free Press, 26 June 2022 Yungblud made good on his vow to honor his Polish fans by painting the streets of Warsaw with pride colors this week. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 12 May 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb When a complaint is first filed, Friedman said, defendants who say they are being falsely accused often vow to fight and want to go to trial. — Cory Shaffer, cleveland, 25 June 2022 This summer, both men vow to continue using the beach until they’re taken away in handcuffs. — New York Times, 24 June 2022 Disney, Netflix and other Hollywood companies vow to pay travel costs for abortions after Roe vs. Wade decision. — Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2022 Meanwhile, as the orange flames roar incessantly into the sky, young environmentalists vow to keep up the pressure. — Anastasia Moloney, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 May 2022 Palau also builds upon the Palau Pledge, a commitment established in 2017 that requires visiting tourists to vow to be protective of Palau’s environment and culture. — Michele Herrmann, Forbes, 17 May 2022 President Biden stepped in Thursday, too, to vow to increase imports of formula from trade partners like Mexico and the Netherlands and crack down on price gouging at home. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 12 May 2022 Professional buddies vow to stay in touch after a job change, but don't. — Washington Post, 4 May 2022 Professional buddies vow to stay in touch after a job change, but don’t. — Amy Dickinson, oregonlive, 4 May 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb According to the trailer, Amsterdam follows three friends played by Bale, Robbie and Washington who met during war time and now vow to always protect one another. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 6 July 2022 Disney, Netflix and other Hollywood companies vow to pay travel costs for abortions after Roe vs. Wade decision. — Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2022 When a complaint is first filed, Friedman said, defendants who say they are being falsely accused often vow to fight and want to go to trial. — Cory Shaffer, cleveland, 25 June 2022 This summer, both men vow to continue using the beach until they’re taken away in handcuffs. — New York Times, 24 June 2022 Meanwhile, as the orange flames roar incessantly into the sky, young environmentalists vow to keep up the pressure. — Anastasia Moloney, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 May 2022 He was moved to speak, to vow to do better, to demand more from his fellow star teammates. — Gene Myers, Detroit Free Press, 23 Apr. 2022 Palau also builds upon the Palau Pledge, a commitment established in 2017 that requires visiting tourists to vow to be protective of Palau’s environment and culture. — Michele Herrmann, Forbes, 17 May 2022 President Biden stepped in Thursday, too, to vow to increase imports of formula from trade partners like Mexico and the Netherlands and crack down on price gouging at home. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 12 May 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vow.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of vow

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Verb (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for vow

Noun

Middle English vowe, from Anglo-French vou, from Latin votum, from neuter of votus, past participle of vovēre to vow; akin to Greek euchesthai to pray, vow, Sanskrit vāghat sacrificer

Verb (2)

Middle English, short for avowen