VocabDictionary

vault

/vɔːlt/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A large room or chamber used for storage, especially an underground one for keeping valuables secure.

Example Sentences:
  • The bank manager opened the heavy steel door of the vault to retrieve the documents.
  • The family jewels were kept in a private vault beneath the mansion.
2.noun

An arched structure, usually made of stone or concrete, forming a ceiling or roof.

Example Sentences:
  • The cathedral is famous for its magnificent stone vault.
  • Sunlight streamed through the cracks in the ancient stone vault.
3.verb

To leap or spring over an obstacle, typically using the hands or a pole for support.

Example Sentences:
  • The athlete managed to vault over the high bar with ease.
  • He vaulted the fence to chase after his runaway dog.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “vault”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old French 'voute' (arch, vaulted roof), which traces back to the Vulgar Latin 'voluta', from the Latin 'volvere' (to roll or turn). The architectural sense of an arched ceiling evolved into the sense of a secure room, and later, the verb sense of leaping originated from the Italian 'voltare' (to turn or vault).

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Imagine a bank VAULT that is so heavy, you would need to VAULT (jump) over it to get past it.

Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “vault

1. What is the meaning of “vault” in English?

In English, vault (noun) is defined as: “A large room or chamber used for storage, especially an underground one for keeping valuables secure.”.

2. How do you use “vault” in a sentence?

The bank manager opened the heavy steel door of the vault to retrieve the documents.

3. What are English synonyms of “vault”?

Common synonyms include:strongroom,safe,leap,bound,arch

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “vault”?

Derived from the Old French 'voute' (arch, vaulted roof), which traces back to the Vulgar Latin 'voluta', from the Latin 'volvere' (to roll or turn). The architectural sense of an arched ceiling evolved into the sense of a secure room, and later, the verb sense of leaping originated from the Italian 'voltare' (to turn or vault).