oath

noun

plural oaths ˈōt͟hz How to pronounce oath (audio)
ˈōths
1
a(1)
: a solemn usually formal calling upon God or a god to witness to the truth of what one says or to witness that one sincerely intends to do what one says
(2)
: a solemn attestation of the truth or inviolability of one's words
The witness took an oath to tell the truth in court.
b
: something (such as a promise) corroborated by an oath
They were required to swear an oath of loyalty.
took the oath of office
2
: an irreverent or careless use of a sacred name
broadly : swear word
He uttered an oath and stormed away.

Examples of oath in a Sentence

an oath to defend the nation He uttered an oath and walked away.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The enlisted oath also includes a promise to follow the lawful orders of the president and of the officers appointed above them. Samuel C. Mahaney, The Conversation, 21 Mar. 2025 Law enforcement officers take an oath to protect and serve our communities, and the public has a right to know that those entrusted with this responsibility are held to the highest standards. Cristine Soto Deberry, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025 Current and former officials pointed out that what Mr. Bove asked them to do may well violate bar rules and their oath — to dismiss a criminal case without having reviewed the facts or the law. Glenn Thrush, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025 Green card holders, who have everything except the oath of naturalization, have the same rights and responsibilities as citizens except for jury duty and voting in federal and state elections. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oath

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ooth, from Old English āth; akin to Old High German eid oath, Middle Irish oeth

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of oath was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oath.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oath. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

oath

noun
plural oaths ˈōt͟hz How to pronounce oath (audio)
ˈōths
1
: a solemn appeal to God or to some deeply respected person or thing to witness to the truth of one's word or the sincerity of a promise
under oath to tell the truth
2
: a careless or improper use of a sacred name
also : swearword

Medical Definition

oath

Legal Definition

oath

noun
1
: a solemn attestation of the truth of one's words or the sincerity of one's intentions
specifically : one accompanied by calling upon a deity as a witness
2
: a promise (as to perform official duties faithfully) corroborated by an oath compare perjury

More from Merriam-Webster on oath

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