cov·e·nant
ˈkəv-nənt 
ˈkə-və-
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
cov·e·nant
ˈkəv-nənt
-ËŒnant,
ˈkə-və-
covenanted; covenanting; covenants
: to promise by a covenant : pledge
: to enter into a covenant : contract
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
Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2025
The daycare owners also signed away their right to sue for flood damages, but the state did not place a restrictive covenant on their remaining property.
—Maia Rosenfeld, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025
Residents faced challenges with discriminatory housing policies such as redlining and restrictive covenants that prevented Black families from living in White neighborhoods.
—Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
Property owners in Washington County can now learn if their property ever had a racial covenant — a clause in a property deed that barred people who were not white from owning homes or land for the first half of the 20th century.
—Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for covenant
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Noun
According to a news release from Harrell’s office, there have been at least two covenants restricting a property’s future use as a grocery store on properties within Seattle.
—Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2025
The daycare owners also signed away their right to sue for flood damages, but the state did not place a restrictive covenant on their remaining property.
—Maia Rosenfeld, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025
Residents faced challenges with discriminatory housing policies such as redlining and restrictive covenants that prevented Black families from living in White neighborhoods.
—Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
Property owners in Washington County can now learn if their property ever had a racial covenant — a clause in a property deed that barred people who were not white from owning homes or land for the first half of the 20th century.
—Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for covenant
Cite this Entry
“Covenant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/covenant. Accessed 14 Oct. 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
-É™-ËŒnant
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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