vow

noun

\ 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 Learn More about vow

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Synonyms for vow

Synonyms: Noun

oath, pledge, promise, troth, word

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

Yes, Jonas and Chopra are rumored to be exchanging their vows inside a literal palace. — Christopher Rosa, Glamour, "Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas Are Reportedly Getting Married in a Literal Palace," 12 Nov. 2018 While eastern rite Catholic priests can be married before ordination, Roman Catholic priests take a vow of celibacy. — Nicole Winfield, The Seattle Times, "Priest’s son demands Vatican attention for clergy’s children," 20 Feb. 2019 One method of meditative self-remove is a temporary vow of silence, which a number of high-profile stars have undertaken over the years. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "Lupita Nyong’o is the Latest Celebrity to Go on a Silent Retreat," 5 Feb. 2019 That option would do an injustice to gay priests who have honored their vows. — WSJ, "Deal With the Priests Who Molest the Young," 25 Jan. 2019 But flashes of anxiety were minimal; a five-day window meant more time had to be spent writing our vows than worrying about the particulars. — Phoebe Lapine, Marie Claire, "How to Marry a Guy in Five Days," 18 Jan. 2019 If anything, Trump’s vulgar narcissism made his vow to build a wall more believable. — Jane Coaston, Vox, "Fox News demanded a government shutdown — and got one," 22 Dec. 2018 Yes, Nick and Priyanka are rumored to be exchanging their vows inside a literal palace. — Christopher Rosa, Teen Vogue, "Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas Are Reportedly Getting Married at the Umaid Bhawan Palace," 12 Nov. 2018 Will this heartbreak inspire Brad Pitt to renew his vow of celibacy? — Madeleine Aggeler, The Cut, "Brad Pitt’s MIT-Professor Crush Is Dating a Billionaire Now," 14 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

That said, vowing to cook one meal is actually very doable. — Annie Daly, SELF, "7 Tips for Planning a Cheap Getaway Somewhere Warm," 20 Mar. 2019 President Trump declared steel imports a national security threat last March and vowed to fight the metallic menace with a 25% tariff. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "How Are Those Steel Tariffs Working?," 18 Mar. 2019 Hours after Booker left New Hampshire, voters there cheered California Sen. Kamala Harris’ vows to take on the president. — Elana Schor, The Seattle Times, "Ready to fight: Cory Booker shows his tough side to voters," 20 Feb. 2019 Dara Khosrowshahi, who replaced Kalanick as CEO, has vowed to reform Uber. — Chavie Lieber, Vox, "Uber and Lyft are racing each other to go public. Here’s why.," 12 Dec. 2018 Dodik has long been a vocal opponent of Bosnia’s membership in NATO and has repeatedly vowed to block all the efforts to reach that goal. — Lorne Cook, The Seattle Times, "NATO gives Bosnia green light to advance on membership path," 5 Dec. 2018 Garcia has vowed not to accept corporate PAC money and has returned a donations from a lobbyist, gearing him up for a tough race against the $9 million in air-time funding that Gov. Ducey has received from the RGA. — Isabella Gomez, Teen Vogue, "David Garcia Could Be the First Latinx Governor of Arizona in 44 Years," 29 Aug. 2018 Simultaneously, the Cambodian government has vowed harsher surveillance of online activity, and has already arrested or threatened several people for posting social media comments critical of the government. — Abby Seiff / Phnom Penh, Time, "Chinese State-Linked Hackers in Large Scale Operation to Monitor Cambodia's Upcoming Elections, Report Says," 11 July 2018 China vowed to match U.S. moves, using both quantitative and qualitative measures. — Danielle Paquette, Emily Rauhala, Anchorage Daily News, "Trade war set to escalate as Fed warns of economic hit," 6 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The Glee alum exchanged vows with her now-husband on Saturday, March 9 in front of a group of their closest friends and family, People reports. — De Elizabeth, Teen Vogue, "Lea Michele and Zandy Reich Are Married," 10 Mar. 2019 Hours after Booker left New Hampshire, voters there cheered California Sen. Kamala Harris’ vows to take on the president. — Elana Schor, The Seattle Times, "Ready to fight: Cory Booker shows his tough side to voters," 20 Feb. 2019 On Saturday, which also happened to be her 25th birthday, Trainor exchanged vows with her fiancé, actor Daryl Sabara. — Stacey Leasca, Glamour, "Meghan Trainor Is Married," 23 Dec. 2018 The Pakistani Taliban said the attack on Tuesday night was in revenge for the ANP’s rule and vowed more such attacks. — Washington Post, "Pakistani Taliban claim bombing at rally that killed 21," 11 July 2018 Bach vows to schedule more M-Brew menu takeover days. — Rene Wisely, Detroit Free Press, "New Mexican carryout restaurant coming to Ferndale," 2 July 2018 Mill’s lawyers quickly vowed Tuesday to appeal her ruling and again questioned her capacity to rule on the case. — Chris Palmer, Philly.com, "Judge Genece Brinkley denies Meek Mill effort to overturn conviction," 26 June 2018 Despite having not released new music in more than a year, Mai vows to drop her debut album very soon. — Carl Lamarre, Billboard, "Ella Mai on 'Boo'd Up' Going Platinum and Her Chemistry With Mustard: 'He Never Makes Me Feel Pressured'," 25 June 2018 Thousands of Facebook users condemned the actions of the pharmacist, with some vowing to never use Walgreens again. — Bree Burkitt, azcentral, "Was a Peoria Walgreens pharmacist legally justified in denying miscarriage medication?," 24 June 2018

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.

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

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