1
: the act of keeping awake at times when sleep is customary
also
: a period of wakefulness
2
: an event or a period of time when a person or group stays in a place and quietly waits, prays, etc., especially at night
a candlelight vigil
kept vigil at her bedside
3
a
: a watch formerly kept on the night before a religious feast with prayer or other devotions
b
: the day before a religious feast observed as a day of spiritual preparation
c
: evening or nocturnal devotions or prayers
—usually used in plural
Examples of vigil in a Sentence
kept vigil at their ailing son's bedside the entire time he was in the hospital
Recent Examples on the Web
Republican leaders in the House and Senate did not hold a vigil or commemoration for the victims, which had previously been staged at the Capitol in prior years.
—
Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 1 Feb. 2025
In February 2015, while Bobbi Kristina remained on life support, her family organized a candlelight vigil in Riverdale, Ga.
—Jordana Comiter, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025
Faith leaders held a vigil Thursday in the city council chambers.
—John Hanna, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
The vigil, held amid flickering candlelight and colorful balloons, was a poignant tribute to the young girl.
—Keith Daniels, Baltimore Sun, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for vigil 
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Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 1 Feb. 2025
In February 2015, while Bobbi Kristina remained on life support, her family organized a candlelight vigil in Riverdale, Ga.
—Jordana Comiter, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025
Faith leaders held a vigil Thursday in the city council chambers.
—John Hanna, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
The vigil, held amid flickering candlelight and colorful balloons, was a poignant tribute to the young girl.
—Keith Daniels, Baltimore Sun, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for vigil
Dictionary Entries Near vigil
Cite this Entry
“Vigil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vigil. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
vigil
noun
vig·il
ˈvij-əl 
1
a
: the day before a religious feast
b
: prayers or religious services held in the evening or at night
—usually used in plural
2
: an act or period of staying awake at times when one normally would be sleeping
an all-night vigil spent awaiting her return
3
: an act or period of attentive watching : watch
kept vigil at the bedside of his ill son
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