1
: consisting of or expressing a vow, wish, or desire
a votive prayer
2
: offered or performed in fulfillment of a vow or in gratitude or devotion
votively
adverb
votiveness
noun
plural votives
: a short thick candle used especially as a prayer offering or for decoration : votive candle
… I will light a votive for those who need affordable housing and pray their needs are met.—
Mary Pat Rowland
Mary Pat RowlandA simple picture-propping shelf can display votives and flowers.—Nancy Sotomayor
compare vigil light
Nancy SotomayorExamples of votive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024
Place the piece over a string of fairy lights for a whimsical vibe, or add votive electric candles for some romantic ambience.
—Shea Simmons, Peoplemag, 10 Sep. 2024
Dominique Fluker, Essence, 9 Oct. 2024
The clear borosilicate glass beautifully reflects candlelight—a clever way to elevate plain votives.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 17 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for votive 
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Adjective
The votive plaque found during the 2024 excavation season at the site, which ran from mid-May to the end of July, is essentially a thin gold plate.
—Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024
Place the piece over a string of fairy lights for a whimsical vibe, or add votive electric candles for some romantic ambience.
—Shea Simmons, Peoplemag, 10 Sep. 2024
Noun
Amber and smoke skull votives add an element of creepy to a mantel or tabletop.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 9 Oct. 2024
The clear borosilicate glass beautifully reflects candlelight—a clever way to elevate plain votives.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 17 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for votive
Dictionary Entries Near votive
Cite this Entry
“Votive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/votive. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
votive
adjective
vo·tive
ˈvōt-iv 
: consisting of or expressing a vow, wish, or desire
a votive prayer
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