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Definition of vigil

vigil

/ˈvɪdʒ.əl/
vig · il
Adverb:vigilantly
•
Plural:vigils
•
Adjective:vigilant
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vigil Lexical Profile

vigil Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A period of keeping awake during the time usually spent asleep, especially to keep watch over someone, pray, or participate in a peaceful public demonstration or memorial.

Example

"Hundreds of residents gathered in the town square to hold a candlelight vigil in memory of the victims."

2

In Christian liturgy, the eve of a religious festival or holy day, observed as an occasion of devotional watching or preparation.

Example

"The congregation assembled at the cathedral on Saturday evening to celebrate the Easter vigil."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for vigil

• Nearby Words

viewpoint
viewport
viewscreen
vigil
vigilance
vigilant
vigilante

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French vigile, from Latin vigilia ('a watch, wakefulness'), derived from vigil ('awake, alert, watchful'), from the verb vigere ('to be lively or vigorous').

Cite this Entry

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