vow

1 of 3

noun

ˈvau̇ How to pronounce vow (audio)
Synonyms of vow
: 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 How to pronounce vow (audio)
noun

vow

3 of 3

verb (2)

vowed; vowing; vows

transitive verb

: avow, declare

Synonyms of vow

Relevance

Noun

Verb (1)

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
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Noun
If Bass’ vow to rule the same as before represents a decisive leader, more and more Angelenos seem to be saying, give us the Raman flood. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026 Finally, on Saturday, October 10, Giulia and Conor exchanged vows at the historic cathedral of Nossa Senhora do Carmo da Antiga Sé, followed by a celebratory lunch and reception at Instituto Brando Barbosa. — Alexandra MacOn, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2026
Verb
Harbaugh has vowed to look at every aspect of his operation over this bye week, including McDaniel's status, after a 22-6 loss in Kansas City on Sunday. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026 France’s justice minister vowed a hard line, while Parliament opened an inquiry into the violence and authorities’ policing strategy, with findings expected by year’s end. — Tom Nouvian, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vow

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of vow was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing vow

Rhymes for vow

See All Rhymes for vow

Browse Nearby Words

Vouvray
vow
vowel
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vow. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

vow

1 of 2 noun
ˈvau̇ How to pronounce vow (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on vow

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vow

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