1. serious promises or commitments to do something
2. people who are seeking membership in a fraternity or sorority
Usage: college context
3. items given as security for a loan or debt
Usage: formal

1. makes a serious promise or commitment
2. gives something as security for a loan
Usage: formal

Examples

• The candidates made pledges to reduce taxes.
• She pledges to volunteer at the shelter every weekend.
• The fraternity welcomed twenty new pledges this semester.
• He pledges his house as collateral for the business loan.
• The charity received pledges totaling over fifty thousand dollars.
• The company pledges to use only renewable energy by 2030.
• All pledges must complete community service hours.