rave

¹

[ reyv ]

verb (used without object)

, raved, rav·ing.

1. to talk wildly, as in delirium.

   Synonyms: rhapsodize, gush, enthuse, storm, rant, rage, jabber, babble

2. to talk or write with extravagant enthusiasm:

   She raved about her trip to Europe.

3. (of wind, water, storms, etc.) to make a wild or furious sound; rage.

verb (used with object)

, raved, rav·ing.

1. to utter as if in madness.

noun

1. an act of raving.
2. an extravagantly enthusiastic appraisal or review of something.
3. a dance party featuring electronic dance music arranged by a disc jockey and a light show or other visual effects, and typically characterized by amphetamine and psychedelic drug use:

   They have these all-night raves in a field just outside the city limits.

4. British Informal. a boisterous party, especially a dance:

   We hung pretty party lights and invited everyone who lived in the building to our rooftop rave.

adjective

1. extravagantly flattering or enthusiastic:

   rave reviews of a new play.

rave

²

[ reyv ]

noun

1. a vertical sidepiece of a wagon or other vehicle.

rave

¹

/ reɪv /

noun

1. a vertical sidepiece on a wagon

rave

²

/ reɪv /

verb

1. to utter (something) in a wild or incoherent manner, as when mad or delirious
2. intr to speak in an angry uncontrolled manner
3. intr (of the sea, wind, etc) to rage or roar
4. informal.
   intr; foll by over or about to write or speak (about) with great enthusiasm
5. slang.
   intr to enjoy oneself wildly or uninhibitedly

noun

1. informal.
   1. enthusiastic or extravagant praise
   2. ( as modifier )

      a rave review

2. slang.
   1. Also calledrave-up a party
   2. a professionally organized party for young people, with electronic dance music, sometimes held in a field or disused building
3. slang.
   a fad or fashion

   the latest rave

4. a name given to various types of dance music, such as techno, that feature fast electronic rhythm

Other Words From

• raver noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rave¹

First recorded in 1325–75; 1915–25 rave ¹fordef 2; 1960–65 rave ¹fordef 8; 1985–90 rave ¹fordef 7; Middle English verb raven, probably from Middle French resver “to wander, be delirious”; further origin uncertain

Origin of rave²

First recorded in 1520–30; origin obscure; probably an alteration of dialect rathe “rail or shaft on a cart”

Word History and Origins

Origin of rave¹

C16: modification of dialect rathe , of uncertain origin

Origin of rave²

C14 raven , apparently from Old French resver to wander

Idioms and Phrases

see rant and rave ; stark raving mad .

Example Sentences

Scientists rave about how cheap and easy it is to use CRISPR.

From Science News For Students

Scientists rave about how cheap, versatile and easy to use CRISPR is.

From Science News

Traditionally we design and test our garments over months or even years, as was the case with our raved-about jumpsuits.

From Eater

It causes a unique, altered state of mind when taken at certain doses, and sort of a hallucinogenic state almost, and it got famous for folks taking it at raves and things like that.

From Freakonomics

Then they wrote big checks and raved coyly about how they now understood the future of computing.

From Fortune

But although the movie has gathered awards and some rave reviews I, for one, never felt I was close to seeing this happen.

From The Daily Beast

Customers rave “Fun place to go, especially with the $5 lap dance lunch special.”

From The Daily Beast

Their sixth movie, Fargo, had come out to rave reviews and good box office that March.

From The Daily Beast

This isn't the typical high heels and hair gel style pool party rave Miami is famous for.

From The Daily Beast

Since its premiere this March, Aladdin has received rave reviews.

From The Daily Beast

He would toss about and rave and spout poetry in such a way as to make sleep impossible.

From Project Gutenberg

After that poor Nick began to rave again and had to be given some medicine to keep him quiet.

From Project Gutenberg

Strange, that a man like Ingres should rave so about new fashions and pretty toilettes!

From Project Gutenberg

They did not rave of patriotism, nor was there any cant of equality and fraternity.

From Project Gutenberg

Yes, it's all right; but you needn't rave about it like a bally poet.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• babble
• freak out
• fume
• go crazy
• rant