votive

1 of 2

adjective

vo·​tive ˈvō-tiv How to pronounce votive (audio)
1
: consisting of or expressing a vow, wish, or desire
a votive prayer
2
: offered or performed in fulfillment of a vow or in gratitude or devotion
votively adverb
votiveness noun

votive

2 of 2

noun

plural votives
: a short thick candle used especially as a prayer offering or for decoration : votive candle
… I will light a votive for those who need affordable housing and pray their needs are met.Mary Pat Rowland
A simple picture-propping shelf can display votives and flowers.Nancy Sotomayor
compare vigil light

Examples of votive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
All the coffins, also known as votive boxes, ranged from 2 to 12 inches in length. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Apr. 2023 While the skewed perspective and bright, flat colors recall votive paintings, the subject is a modern woman navigating modern times. Briana Miller, oregonlive, 23 Mar. 2023 For your table, wrap it around the base of a large votive then fill the votive with loose evergreen leaves, and top it off with a pillar candle. Jessica Cherner, House Beautiful, 14 Dec. 2022 This five-piece votive set makes an excellent intro to the brand's transcendant scents. Sarah Maberry, harpersbazaar.com, 6 May 2023 In addition to the electoral inscription, archaeologists discovered what was likely the final votive offering the homeowner made before the eruption. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Nov. 2023 Add leftover snips of wheat to votive holders (securing with twine). Charlyne Mattox, Country Living, 14 Sep. 2022 Ethereal Lighting For a finishing touch, add a soft glow to your space with tealight holders, votive holders, and moon phase candles. Hollyanna McCollom, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2023 These skulls may have served as votive offerings to accompany the pharaoh in the afterlife, per a statement from Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Christopher Parker, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Mar. 2023
Noun
Each cream votive is 5 inches tall and will fit in with most styles and aesthetics. Addie Morton, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2023 Glass Christmas trees, candle votives, and other seasonal decor elements are also popular choices for holiday decor. Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Nov. 2023 Mixing high tapers and low votives provides the optimal candle glow. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2023 For your table, wrap it around the base of a large votive then fill the votive with loose evergreen leaves, and top it off with a pillar candle. Jessica Cherner, House Beautiful, 14 Dec. 2022 To go a more traditional, glamorous route, use a white table runner and some short votives with neutral or metallic figurines or trees. Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2023 In the evenings, candles are placed in scores of salt votives to provide light, and there’s also the round fire pit made of sandstone on the main terrace. Gisela Williams Anthony Cotsifas, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2023 Keep some of the pumpkins and votives on the table so all of your elements are at varying heights. 25 Dress Up The Bar This cozy bar offers guests plenty of room to fix a drink and grab a snack. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2023 At Allende’s grave, citizens leave not just votives and flowers but handwritten notes containing what could only be called prayers: to win the lottery, to pass a math exam, to find love. Jonathan Dee, The New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'votive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin votivus, from votum vow

First Known Use

Adjective

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of votive was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near votive

Cite this Entry

“Votive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/votive. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

votive

adjective
vo·​tive ˈvōt-iv How to pronounce votive (audio)
: consisting of or expressing a vow, wish, or desire
a votive prayer

More from Merriam-Webster on votive

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