WordGarden.iovault
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /vˈɒlt/
US
- /ˈvɔlt/
Meanings
Noun
a secure room, chamber, or compartment for storing money, valuables, or sensitive items
a vaulting jump or the gymnastics event or apparatus used for it
an arched roof or ceiling, or a chamber covered by one
Verb
to leap over something or propel yourself upward with the hands or a pole
Beyond the definition
A vault is not only the place where a bank keeps money. It can be any strong, locked room used to store valuable things, such as cash, jewels, or important papers. The word can also describe the action of jumping over something, sometimes with the help of your hands or a pole. A gymnast may vault over a piece of equipment, and an athlete may vault high into the air. In another sense, it can mean an arched stone roof or ceiling, like the ones in old churches. It can also mean an underground room used for burial. Across these uses, the word often gives a feeling of strength, safety, or powerful movement.
The word "vault" has several meanings, but they often connect to the ideas of protection, height, or strong structure. Most often, a vault is a heavily protected room or compartment where valuable things are kept. Banks use vaults for money and records, but the word can also describe secure storage in other places. These spaces are usually built to resist theft, fire, or damage.
As a verb, "vault" means to jump over something in a strong, quick movement. Sometimes a person uses their hands or a pole to help them get over it. You can see this meaning in gymnastics, in the pole vault event in track and field, and in other kinds of athletic movement. The idea is not just a jump, but a jump with lift and force.
In architecture, a vault is an arched roof or ceiling, often made of stone, brick, or concrete. This kind of structure is common in churches, cathedrals, and other large old buildings. The word is also used for a burial chamber, especially an underground one or one built from stone. So the word can suggest a secure place, a high leap, or a curved stone structure, depending on the context.
Examples
- 1
Secure storage
The painting was moved to a vault for safekeeping.
- 2
Gymnastics equipment
The gymnast ran toward the vault and landed cleanly.
- Domainthe vault
the piece of equipment used in gymnastics
- 3
Physical movement
She vaulted over the fence and kept running.
- 4
Track and field
He won a bronze medal in the pole vault at school.
- Phrasepole vault
a sport in which someone uses a long pole to jump very high
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Rapid success
The singer vaulted from internet fame to international success in a year.
- Patternvault from X to Y
move very quickly to a much higher level or position
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- vaultnounverb
Forms
- vaultspluralnounverb
- vaultedpast tenseverbnoun
- vaulting-ing formverbnoun