The easiest way to learn the word vigil is to trace its origin. The word originates from the word VIGILance and vigilance means watchfulness. So vigil also means being watchful.
Meanings of the word vigil :
1. A watch kept during normal sleeping hours.
2. The act or a period of observing; surveillance.
3.Ritual devotions observed on the eve of a holy day.
Sentence examples for vigil
1.Roxanne settled down for her vigil over the sick baby.
2. The knight kept vigil over his armor all night.
3. A candlelight vigil was conducted at the murder scene.