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
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
Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025
For example, in earlier days of private medical practice, there was often a restrictive covenant of five or 10 miles, which made sense in protecting a medical practice that made an investment to start.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2025
The deed restriction runs with the land for 99 years, meaning future owners are also subject to the covenant.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2025
Racially restrictive neighborhood covenants prohibiting Black or Jewish American buyers, for example, were pioneered in the 1940s by the celebrated local real estate developer J.C. Nichols.
—Alfredo Sosa, Christian Science Monitor, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for covenant
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Noun
However, the actor is only allowed to amend the allegations relevant to the claims of tortious interference with contract and breach of implied covenant.
—Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025
For example, in earlier days of private medical practice, there was often a restrictive covenant of five or 10 miles, which made sense in protecting a medical practice that made an investment to start.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2025
The deed restriction runs with the land for 99 years, meaning future owners are also subject to the covenant.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2025
Racially restrictive neighborhood covenants prohibiting Black or Jewish American buyers, for example, were pioneered in the 1940s by the celebrated local real estate developer J.C. Nichols.
—Alfredo Sosa, Christian Science Monitor, 18 May 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 18 Jun. 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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