vigor

noun

vig·​or ˈvi-gər How to pronounce vigor (audio)
1
: active bodily or mental strength or force
2
: active healthy well-balanced growth especially of plants
3
: intensity of action or effect : force
4
: effective legal status

Examples of vigor in a Sentence

She defended her beliefs with great vigor. she was picked to lead the volunteer group because of her vigor and enthusiasm
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion builds on that work with new vigor and a new dimension - the creative energy and conquering spirit of one extraordinary woman. Tom Teicholz, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 Such pruning renews plant vigor and encourages new healthy shoots. Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2025 Madison brings unrelenting vigor to the sort of character who is normally marginalized or sensationalized on the screen. Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Feb. 2025 This is one of those hyper-active movies where people — especially Vera — are constantly rushing about with maximum urgency but without whipping up corresponding narrative vigor. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vigor

Word History

Etymology

Middle English vigour, from Anglo-French, from Latin vigor, from vigēre to be vigorous

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vigor was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vigor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vigor. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

vigor

noun
vig·​or ˈvig-ər How to pronounce vigor (audio)
1
: active strength or energy of body or mind
2
: active strength or force

Medical Definition

vigor

variants or chiefly British vigour

More from Merriam-Webster on vigor

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