vigil
Americannoun
-
wakefulness or watchfulness maintained for any reason during the normal hours for sleeping.
They passed many hours in vigil.
-
a watch or a period of watchful attention maintained at night or at other times.
The nurse kept her vigil at the bedside of the dying man.
-
a quiet demonstration to support a cause, protest an injustice, honor the dead, etc..
A candlelight vigil in remembrance of the two fallen officers will be held tonight at sundown.
-
Ecclesiastical.
-
Sometimes vigils a nocturnal devotional exercise or service, especially on the eve before a church festival.
The Easter vigil reflects on the holy sacraments as well as the resurrection and ascension of Christ.
-
the eve, or day and night, before a church festival, especially an eve that is a fast.
-
-
a period of wakefulness from inability to sleep.
noun
-
a purposeful watch maintained, esp at night, to guard, observe, pray, etc
-
the period of such a watch
-
RC Church Church of England the eve of certain major festivals, formerly observed as a night spent in prayer: often marked by fasting and abstinence and a special Mass and divine office
-
a period of sleeplessness; insomnia
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of vigil
First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English vigil(i)e, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin vigilia “eve of a holy day,” special use of Latin vigilia “watchfulness,” equivalent to vigil “sentry” + -ia -y 3
Explanation
A vigil is when you stay alert to guard something, as when you keep vigil over your hen house when the foxes are out. A vigil can also be solemn, as when a candlelight vigil is held for victims of a tragedy. Vigil comes from the Latin word for "awake," and all its meanings include the idea of watchfulness. If you're attending a vigil or keeping vigil, you shouldn't expect to take a nap. The vigil is an apt kind of demonstration for peace movements, as it's calm, non-violent, and solemn, with participants standing quietly — sometimes holding candles.
Vocabulary lists containing vigil
"The Great Gatsby," Chapter 1 Vocabulary
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"The Odyssey" by Homer, Books 19–24
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"My Wonder Horse," Vocabulary from the short story
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
After Amen's death a vigil was held in his memory at a football park near his home in Scotstoun.
From BBC • Jul. 6, 2026
At a vigil last weekend, community members held placards in solidarity and wept.
From Barron's • Jul. 5, 2026
“I never lost hope,” said Franyimar González, 32, Gil’s wife, who held daily vigil outside the entrance of the parking structure.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 5, 2026
After the vigil had ended, when the crowd had cleared and the lingering press packed up their equipment, his brave face seemed to fall again.
From Salon • Jun. 27, 2026
“I want to sit vigil with him tonight.”
From "Huntress" by Malinda Lo
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
