vow

1 of 3

noun

ˈvau̇ 

: a solemn promise or assertion

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

vow

2 of 3

verb (1)

vowed; vowing; vows

transitive verb

1

: to promise solemnly : swear

2

: to bind or consecrate by a vow

intransitive verb

: to make a vow

vower

ˈvau̇(-ə)r 

noun

vow

3 of 3

verb (2)

vowed; vowing; vows

transitive verb

: avow, declare

Synonyms of vow

Noun

• promise
• pledge

Verb (1)

• promise
• swear
• pledge

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.

Verb (1)

she vowed to love him forever

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The verbal vow comes less than two days before football’s signing day, which is Wednesday. —Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Dec. 2025

The Democratic New Jersey lawmaker and Alexis Lewis, who is 18 years his junior, exchanged vows twice in November 2025. —Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025

Verb

Washington — House Republican leaders vowed to hold votes next week on legislation to address rising health insurance premiums as more than 20 million Americans face skyrocketing costs when Affordable Care Act tax credits expire at the end of the year. —Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025

Beijing claims the island democracy as its territory, and has vowed to unify with it, through force if necessary. —Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing vow

• simple vow
• solemn vow
• vow of chastity

Rhymes for vow

• bough
• brow
• chow
• ciao
• clow
• cow
• dao
• dow
• frau
• hao
• hau
• how

Kids Definition

vow

1 of 2 noun

ˈvau̇ 

: a solemn promise or statement

vow

2 of 2 verb

1

: to make a vow or as a vow

2

: to bind or make holy by a vow

Legal Definition

vow

1 of 2 noun

: a solemn promise or statement

especially : one by which a person is bound to an act, service, or condition

vow

2 of 2 transitive verb

1

: to promise solemnly

2

: to bind or commit by a vow

intransitive verb

: to make a vow

vower noun