plural pledges
1
: a serious promise or agreement
He has promised to fulfill/honor/keep a campaign pledge to cut taxes.
She refused to take a pledge of silence. [=she said she wouldn't promise to stay silent]
2
: a promise to give money
To make a pledge or donation, please call the charity's office.
The company has made a pledge of over $3,000.
3
: something that you leave with another person as a way to show that you will keep your promise
He left his car as a pledge that he would return with the money.
4
US
: a person who has promised to join a college fraternity or sorority but who has not been officially accepted into the group
Our sorority usually accepts 10 pledges each year.
pledges; pledged; pledging
1
: to formally promise to give or do (something)
Her family pledged $100,000 toward the construction of a new school.
He called to pledge money to the charity.
We've all pledged (our) loyalty/support/allegiance to the organization.
Every morning, we pledge allegiance to the flag.
teenagers who have pledged not to start smoking
During his campaign, he pledged that he would not raise taxes.
2
: to cause (someone) to formally promise something
She pledged herself to silence. [=she promised that she would not say anything]
The chefs are pledged to keep the restaurant's special recipe a secret.
3
: to give (something) as a way to show that you will keep your promise to someone
He pledged his paintings as collateral/security for a loan.
4
US
: to promise to join (a college fraternity or sorority)
She pledged the sorority as a freshman.
A few of his friends pledged to/with fraternities.
Cite this Entry
“Pledge.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/pledge. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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