name · noun · verb · 13 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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Received-Pronunciation:/ˈkævɪæt/
Received-Pronunciation:/ˈkeɪ-/
Received-Pronunciation:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
Australia:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
General-American:/ˈkæviɑt/
General-American:/-æt/
General-American:/ˈkɑviɑt/
General-American:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
CMU ARPABET:K EY1 V IY0 AE2 T
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
name
Meaning 1
A locality in the Shire of Murrindindi, central eastern Victoria, Australia.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
A warning.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
There is at least one caveat in cultivation: you’ll have to stick to only one discipline, such as that according to Bhaiṣajyaguru, the Medicine Buddha.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
noun
Meaning 3
A qualification or exemption.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
He gave his daughter some hyacinth bulbs with the caveat that she plant them in the shade.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: stipulation, proviso, condition
Antonyms: none provided
4
noun
Meaning 4
A formal objection.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: law
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
5
noun
Meaning 5
A formal objection.
A formal notice of interest in land under a Torrens land-title system.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: law
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
6
noun
Meaning 6
A notice requesting a postponement of a court proceeding.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: law
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
7
verb
Meaning 7
To qualify a statement with a caveat or proviso.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
Qualifier: regarded by some as nonstandard
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
8
verb
Meaning 8
To formally object to something.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
Topics: law
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
9
verb
Meaning 9
To formally object to something.
To lodge a formal notice of interest in land under a Torrens land-title system.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: specifically, transitive
Topics: law
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
10
verb
Meaning 10
To issue a notice requesting that proceedings be suspended.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: dated, transitive
Topics: law
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
11
verb
Meaning 11
To warn or caution against some event.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: obsolete, transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
12
noun
Meaning 12
(law) a formal notice filed with a court or officer to suspend a proceeding until filer is given a hearing
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
a caveat filed against the probate of a will
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: notice
13
noun
Meaning 13
a warning against certain acts
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
a caveat against unfair practices
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: caution
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: warning
History
Etymology
Learned borrowing from Latin caveat (“may he/she/it beware”), third-person singular present active subjunctive of caveō (“to beware of”). Doublet of show, both ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *(s)kewh1- (“to heed, look, feel, take note of”).
Across languages
Translations
74 source translations are retained for this English entry.
