1. periods of staying awake during normal sleeping hours, especially to keep watch or pray
Usage: plural of vigil
2. religious services or devotional watching, especially on the eve of a religious festival
Usage: religious context

Examples

• The protesters held vigils outside the courthouse for three nights.
• Families kept vigils at the hospital waiting for news.
• The church organized prayer vigils during Holy Week.
• Candlelight vigils were held to honor the victims.
• Security guards maintained their vigils throughout the storm.
• The community held vigils to remember those who had passed away.