1
: a usually formal, solemn, and binding agreement : compact
… international law, which depends upon the sanctity of covenants between rulers.—
George H. Sabine
George H. Sabine2
a
: a written agreement or promise usually under seal between two or more parties especially for the performance of some action
the deed conveying the land contained restrictive covenants
b
: the common-law action to recover damages for breach of such a contract
covenanted; covenanting; covenants
: to promise by a covenant : pledge
: to enter into a covenant : contract
Synonyms
Examples of covenant in a Sentence
Noun
an international covenant on human rights
The restrictive covenants of the building development prohibit the construction of buildings over 30 feet tall.
Verb
a traditional rule held that a husband could not enter into a covenant with his wife, because that was the equivalent of covenanting with himself
the home buyers had to covenant that they would restore and keep the house for at least 10 years in exchange for a low mortgage rate
Recent Examples on the Web
Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
But studying realities like slavery, apartheid, redlining, and racial covenants has taught me that isn't the case for me as a Black American male.
—Marybeth Gasman, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Residents groups, including the Wimbledon Society, believe that the AELTC’s proposals violate that covenant.
—Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
The filing also details various financial agreements, including amendments to the company's credit facilities, extending certain covenant replacements through August 31, 2025.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for covenant 
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Noun
Results failed to meet bond covenants for more than $700 million borrowed against future revenue, triggering an uncomfortable conversation between the medical provider and the insurance company that protects investors.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
But studying realities like slavery, apartheid, redlining, and racial covenants has taught me that isn't the case for me as a Black American male.
—Marybeth Gasman, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Residents groups, including the Wimbledon Society, believe that the AELTC’s proposals violate that covenant.
—Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
The filing also details various financial agreements, including amendments to the company's credit facilities, extending certain covenant replacements through August 31, 2025.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for covenant
Dictionary Entries Near covenant
Cite this Entry
“Covenant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/covenant. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
covenant
1 of 2 noun
cov·e·nant
ˈkəv-(ə-)nənt 
: a solemn agreement : contract
covenant
2 of 2 verb
cov·e·nant
ˈkəv-(ə-)nənt
-ə-ˌnant
1
: to promise by a covenant : pledge
2
: to enter into a covenant
Legal Definition
covenant
noun
cov·e·nant
ˈkə-və-nənt
1
: an official agreement or compact
an international covenant on human rights
2
a
: a contract in its entirety or a promise within a contract for the performance or nonperformance of a particular act
a covenant not to sue
specifically
: a promise relating to the transfer, possession, or ownership of real property see also covenant not to compete, restrictive covenant
b
: a warranty in a deed assuring the grantee especially against defects in title
a covenant for quiet enjoyment
see also run
covenant
verb
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