Vault Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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vault
[vɔːlt ]
Definitions
banking
A secure room or compartment for the safekeeping of valuables.
Synonyms
lock-up, safe, strongroom.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| vault |
Vault is typically used to describe a large room or chamber, often underground, used for storage, especially of valuables. It's commonly found in banks or old buildings.
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| safe |
Safe is generally used to describe a secure box or small container used for storing valuable items like money, documents, or jewelry. It’s usually found in homes, offices, or smaller businesses.
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| strongroom |
Strongroom refers to a fortified room intended to provide protection for valuable items from theft, fire, and other risks. It's typically found in banks, large corporations, or museums.
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| lock-up |
Lock-up is often used to refer to a small, secure room or facility used to confine people temporarily, such as a jail cell. It can also refer, in a more informal sense, to secure storage areas.
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Examples of usage
- The bank vault was protected by a multi-layer security system.
- She stored her jewelry in the vault for safekeeping.
architecture
A large arched room or building, typically used for the storage of goods.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| vault |
A vault is typically used to describe a secure room for storing valuable items like money or important documents. It can also refer to an arched structure in architecture.
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| arch |
An arch is an architectural element that spans an opening and can support weight from above. It is often found in bridges, doorways, and ancient ruins.
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| dome |
A dome is a rounded vault forming the roof of a building or structure, typically with a large, open space inside. Domes are often seen in churches, mosques, and government buildings.
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| cellar |
A cellar is a room below ground level in a building, typically used for storing wine or other goods. It can also simply refer to a basement.
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Examples of usage
- The cathedral had a vaulted ceiling.
- The wine cellar was located in the vault of the castle.
finance
To jump or leap over an obstacle or barrier, especially in the sport of gymnastics.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| vault |
Typically used in gymnastics or track and field when referring to the act of jumping over an obstacle using hands or a pole. Also can be used as a noun to describe a secure room for storing valuables.
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| leap |
Often used to imply a longer or more dramatic jump. Can also be used metaphorically to describe taking a big risk or making a significant change.
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| jump |
A general term for leaving the ground by pushing off with the feet. Can be used in a variety of contexts from sports to expressions of surprise.
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| spring |
Used when referring to a quick, sudden jump or movement, often associated with energy or excitement. Also, it is the season following winter.
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Examples of usage
- She vaulted over the horse with grace and precision.
- The gymnast vaulted to victory in the competition.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Architecture
- In architecture, a vault is an arched structure forming a roof or ceiling, often found in cathedrals and grand buildings.
- There are different types of vaults, such as barrel vaults, ribbed vaults, and cross vaults, each with unique designs and uses.
Security
- Modern vaults are designed with thick, reinforced walls and advanced locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.
- The concept of vaults extends to digital security as well, where virtual vaults protect sensitive data online.
Sports
- 'Vault' refers to an athletic event where gymnasts perform acrobatics over a vaulting horse or apparatus.
- Pole vaulting is a thrilling track and field event where athletes use a long pole to jump over high bars.
Pop Culture
- Vaults are often depicted in films as secret hideouts or secure areas where heists take place.
- Video games frequently feature vaults as places to store loot or as objectives to explore, enhancing their mystery and excitement.
Origin of 'vault'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'vault' comes from the Latin 'volta,' meaning 'to turn or roll,' reflecting its arch-like shape.
- It originally referred to a type of arched structure used in buildings before evolving to describe secure storage.
The word 'vault' originated from the Old French word 'voute', which came from the Latin word 'volvita' meaning 'arch'. The term has evolved over time to refer to various meanings including a secure room for valuables and a large arched room or building. The verb form of 'vault' in the context of gymnastics comes from the idea of leaping over obstacles with agility and skill.