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Added 9 October 2026

vow

/vaʊ/ noun

In Latin: vōtum Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about vow at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A solemn promise to perform some act, or behave in a specified manner, especially a promise to live and act in accordance with the rules of a religious order.
The old hermit, up in the mountains, took a vow of silence.
A declaration or assertion.
A votive offering.

verb

To make a vow; to promise.
To make a vow regarding (something).
The wronged woman vowed revenge.
To declare publicly that one has made a vow, usually to show one's determination or to announce an act of retaliation.
The rebels vowed to continue their fight.

Origin

Inherited from Middle English vowe, voue, that from Old French vut, in turn from Latin vōtum (“a promise, dedication, vow”), from vovēre (“to promise, vow”). Not related to avow. Doublet of vote.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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