vigil

noun

ˈvi-jəl How to pronounce vigil (audio)
Definition of vigilnext
as in watch
an act or period of watching for signs of activity, danger, or opportunity kept vigil at their ailing son's bedside the entire time he was in the hospital

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of vigil The church has encouraged worshippers across Rome and around the world to pray for his health, including at nightly vigils held close to St. Peter's — a custom the Catholic Church has long practiced during previous papal illnesses. — Willem Marx, NPR, 26 Feb. 2025 The community gathered for a candlelight prayer vigil on Tuesday evening at Tamarac’s City Hall to honor the victims and raise awareness about the issue of domestic violence, which often goes unnoticed and unreported. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2025 The event evoked memories of the vigils held in 2005 when Pope John Paul II was in his final days. — Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025 According to The Columbus Dispatch, the boy's parents have maintained a constant vigil at his bedside while their 6-year-old daughter stays with relatives. — William Lambers, Newsweek, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vigil

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vigil
vigilance
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Cite this Entry

“Vigil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigil. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on vigil

Nglish: Translation of vigil for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vigil

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