n. pl. ve·toes 1. a. The constitutional power of the chief executive of a state or nation to prevent or delay the enactment of legislation passed by the legislature: The president has the veto and will use it.
b. An instance in which this right is exercised: the governor's veto of the bill.
c. An official document or message from a chief executive stating the reasons for rejection of a bill.
2. The power of one party or entity to forbid the actions or decisions of another party or entity: The producer has a veto over which songs get put on the album.
3. A prohibition or rejection of a proposed or intended act: Her plans to go away for the weekend were met with a parental veto.
tr.v. ve·toed,
ve·to·ing,
ve·toes 1. To prevent or delay (a legislative bill) from becoming law by exercising the power of veto.
2. To forbid, prohibit, or decide against: "She considered having another [drink] but vetoed the idea as unwise" (Stewart O'Nan).