plural vests
1
US
a
: a sleeveless piece of clothing with buttons down the front that is worn over a shirt and under a suit jacket
called also (chiefly British) waistcoat
b
2
: a special piece of clothing that you wear on your upper body for protection or safety
a bulletproof vest
(US) a life vest [=life jacket]
3
British
: a man's sleeveless undershirt
vests; vested; vesting
formal
: to give (someone) the legal right or power to do something or to own land or property
Congress is vested with the power to declare war. = The power to declare war is vested in Congress.
After five years, you'll be fully vested in the company pension plan. [=you will have earned the right to get a full pension when you retire]
Cite this Entry
“Vest.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/vest. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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