WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
vig•i•lant /ˈvɪdʒələnt/USA pronunciation
adj.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- watchful;
wary;
alert:vigilant in his battle against crime; The guards were especially vigilant.
vig•i•lant
(vij′ə lənt),USA pronunciation adj.
vig′i•lant•ly, adv.
vig′i•lant•ness, n.
- keenly watchful to detect danger;
wary:a vigilant sentry. - ever awake and alert;
sleeplessly watchful.
- Latin vigilant- (stem of vigilāns), present participle of vigilāre to be watchful. See vigil, -ant
- 1470–80
vig′i•lant•ness, n.
- 2. wide-awake, sleepless. See alert.
- 1. careless.
'vigilantly' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):