Dictionary
1vault
noun \ˈvȯlt\
Definition of VAULT
1
a : an arched structure of masonry usually forming a ceiling or roof b : something (as the sky) resembling a vault c : an arched or dome-shaped anatomical structure <the cranial vault>
2
a : a space covered by an arched structure; especially : an underground passage or room b : an underground storage compartment c : a room or compartment for the safekeeping of valuables
3
a : a burial chamber b : a prefabricated container usually of metal or concrete into which a casket is placed at burial
— vaulty \ˈvȯl-tē\ adjective
ADVERTISEMENT
Illustration of VAULT
Origin of VAULT
Middle English vaute, voute, from Anglo-French voute, from Vulgar Latin *volvita turn, vault, from feminine of *volvitus, alteration of Latin volutus, past participle of volvere to roll — more at voluble
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Architecture Terms
2vault
verb
Definition of VAULT
transitive verb
: to form or cover with or as if with a vault : arch
First Known Use of VAULT
14th century
3vault
verb
Definition of VAULT
intransitive verb
1
: to leap vigorously; especially : to execute a leap using the hands or a pole
2
: to do or achieve something as if by a leap <vaulted to sudden prominence>
transitive verb
: to leap over; especially : to leap over by or as if by aid of the hands or a pole
Origin of VAULT
Middle French volter, from Old Italian voltare, from Vulgar Latin *volvitare to turn, leap, frequentative of Latin volvere
First Known Use: 1538
4vault
noun
Definition of VAULT
First Known Use of VAULT
1576
VAULT Defined for Kids
1vault
noun \ˈvȯlt\
Definition of VAULT for Kids
1
: a room or compartment for storage or safekeeping
2
: something like a vast ceiling <the vault of sky>
3
: an arched structure of stone or concrete forming a ceiling or roof
4
: a burial chamber
2vault
verb
vault·edvault·ing
Definition of VAULT for Kids
: to leap with the aid of the hands or a pole
3vault
noun
Definition of VAULT for Kids
: 2leap 1
Medical Dictionary
vault
noun \ˈvȯlt, chiefly British ˈvält\
Medical Definition of VAULT
Learn More About VAULT
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up vault? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).