vigil
nounUK /ˈvɪdʒ.əl/
US /ˈvɪdʒ.əl/
A time when you stay awake to watch or wait for something.
The family kept a vigil by the window until the lost dog came home.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A period of staying awake at night to pray or show respect.
They held a candlelight vigil for peace in the town square.
3. A quiet, careful watch kept over someone or something.
Nurses kept a vigil over the sleeping patient all night.
4. A day or night before a religious festival, spent in prayer.
The church held a vigil on Christmas Eve.