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

Skydance also made commitments favored by the administration, including a vow not to pursue diversity, equity and inclusion policies and another to hire a CBS News ombudsman. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 29 June 2026

This individual was paraded on the field to help renew vows for gay couples pregame. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026

Verb

Penn said the department will conduct both a criminal investigation and an internal administrative review and vowed to hold officers accountable based on the findings. — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

However, this came after the TV Academy ended a four-year deal with ABC (following six years on Fox) early when rivals vowed to boycott the ceremony. — Peter White, Deadline, 2 July 2026

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

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

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