English · Word Candidate

oath

/ˈəʊθ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A solemn pledge or promise that invokes a deity, a ruler, or another entity (not necessarily present) to attest the truth of a statement or sincerity of one's desire to fulfill a contract or promise.

Noun

Examples

take an oath

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A statement or promise which is strengthened (affirmed) by such a pledge.

Noun

Examples

After taking the oath of office, she became the country's forty-third premier.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “oath” mean?

A solemn pledge or promise that invokes a deity, a ruler, or another entity (not necessarily present) to attest the truth of a statement or sincerity of one's desire to fulfill a contract or promise.

Is “oath” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.