noun
Uncommon
veto
VEE-toh
Veto (noun) means the official power to reject or block a decision, law, or proposal. Example: “The president used his veto to block the new bill.”
noun
1
The official power to reject or block a decision, law, or proposal.
"The president used his veto to block the new bill."
"The chairperson had a veto over any change to the club rules."
"Each permanent member of the committee holds a veto on major spending."
verb
1
To officially reject or block something using this power.
"The council vetoed the plan to build on the green space."
"My landlord vetoed my idea of painting the front door bright orange."
"The headteacher can veto any trip she thinks is unsafe."
How to use veto
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe power to officially stop or block a decision, and the act of using that power.
Common pairings
veto power
exercise a veto
veto a bill
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Word forms
- Plural
- vetoes, vetos
- Third person singular
- vetoes
- Past tense
- vetoed
Fill the gap
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The president used his _____ to block the new bill.
Etymology
From Latin vetare, "to forbid" — Roman officials once used the single word "veto" ("I forbid") to block a proposal outright.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for veto
See all rhymes for veto →Frequently asked questions
What does “veto” mean?
The word “veto” means the official power to reject or block a decision, law, or proposal. In plain terms, the power to officially stop or block a decision, and the act of using that power.
How do you pronounce “veto”?
“Veto” is pronounced VEE-toh (/ˈvi.toʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “veto” in a sentence?
Here is “veto” used in a sentence: “The president used his veto to block the new bill.”
What part of speech is “veto”?
Depending on how it is used, “veto” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “veto” come from?
The word “veto” comes from Latin. From Latin vetare, "to forbid" — Roman officials once used the single word "veto" ("I forbid") to block a proposal outright.
Is “veto” a common word?
“Veto” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “veto” have?
“Veto” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the official power to reject or block a decision, law, or proposal.
What is the difference between a veto and an override?
A veto is the official power to reject or block a decision, law, or proposal, used to stop something from taking effect. An override is a separate action taken afterward by another party to cancel out that veto and let the original decision proceed anyway.
Who typically has the power to veto something?
The power to veto is usually held by an official or body with specific authority, such as a president, governor, or council member, allowing them to officially reject or block proposals within their jurisdiction.
Can veto be used as a verb?
Yes, "to veto" means to officially reject or block something using this power, as in "the president vetoed the bill."
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