English Reference
noun · verb

covenant

n. · v.
US /ˈkəvənənt/ UK /kˈʌvənənt/ covenant UK spelling covenant's, covenant's, covenanting

  1. 01 C1 Advanced FormalTechnical Law

    n.a serious, formal agreement between two or more people or groups.

    n.a formal and binding agreement, often appearing as a clause in a contract or deed.

    Simple

    The property deed included a covenant that prevented the owner from building a fence.

    In context

    The restrictive covenant embedded in the land title prohibits any commercial development that might obstruct the neighbouring residents' view of the valley.

    Usage

    Often used with the verbs 'enter into', 'break', or 'honour'.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal Religion

    n.a holy promise or agreement between God and a person or group of people.

    n.a solemn promise or relationship of spiritual significance, typically between a deity and humanity.

    Simple

    In the Bible, the rainbow is described as a sign of God's covenant with Noah.

    In context

    The theologian argued that the new covenant represented a fundamental shift in the relationship between the divine and the individual believer.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency FormalTechnical Law

    v.to make a formal or legal promise to do something.

    v.to agree by lease, deed, or legal contract; to enter into a formal and binding commitment.

    Simple

    The two nations covenanted to defend each other in case of an attack.

    In context

    Under the terms of the settlement, the corporation covenanted to provide annual environmental impact reports to the local council for the next decade.

    Usage

    Usually followed by a 'to' infinitive or a 'that' clause.

These violate international human rights standards under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights .

UN News· 2 Sept 2026

Those rules – codes, covenants and restrictions, known collectively as CCRs – are often created by developers , who initially control the HOA.

The Conversation· 3 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated