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Definition of vault

vault

/vɔːlt/
vault

Plural:vaults
•
Adjective:vaulted
•
Past Simple:vaulted
•
Past Participle:vaulted
•
Present Participle:vaulting
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vault Lexical Profile

vault Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A secure, heavily reinforced room or compartment designed for the safe storage of money, valuables, or sensitive documents.

Example

"The bank manager locked the rare diamond necklace inside the main vault before closing the branch for the weekend."


2

An athletic leap or spring over an obstacle, often performed with the assistance of the hands or a pole.

Example

"Her final vault over the pommel horse earned her a perfect score from the Olympic judges."


3

An arched structure, typically made of stone, brick, or concrete, forming a ceiling or roof over a space.

Example

"The magnificent ribbed vault of the Gothic cathedral drew the eyes of all the visiting tourists upward."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To leap or spring over an obstacle, especially by using the hands or a pole for leverage.

Example

"The agile thief vaulted the metal fence and disappeared into the darkened alleyway."


2

To suddenly achieve a higher position, status, or level of success.

Example

"The unexpected viral marketing campaign vaulted the startup into national prominence overnight."


3

To construct or cover a space with an arched roof or ceiling.

Example

"The medieval architects vaulted the massive cathedral aisles to support the immense weight of the roof above."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for vault

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from Middle English 'voute', from Old French 'voute' or 'volte', originating from Vulgar Latin 'volvita', based on Latin 'volvere' (to roll or turn). The sense of leaping comes from Middle French 'volter', tracing back to Italian 'voltare' (to turn or jump).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Vault. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/vault
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