Word of the Day – Vigil

Vigil (noun)

vij-il

wakefulness or watchfulness maintained for any reason during the normal hours for sleeping.

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English vigil(i)e, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin vigilia “eve of a holy day,” special use of Latin vigilia “watchfulness,” equivalent to vigil “sentry” + -ia -y

Example sentences

“The ‘vigil of the nativity’ service starts at 9pm.”