reverend

American  

[rev-er-uhnd, rev-ruhnd] / ˈrɛv ər ənd, ˈrɛv rənd /

adjective

1. (initial capital letter) (used as a title of respect applied or prefixed to the name of a member of the clergy or a religious order).

   Reverend Timothy Cranshaw; Reverend Mother.

2. worthy to be revered; entitled to reverence.

3. pertaining to or characteristic of the clergy.

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noun

1. Informal. a member of the clergy.

reverend ¹ British  

/ ˈrɛvərənd /

adjective

1. worthy of reverence

2. relating to or designating a clergyman or the clergy

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noun

1. informal a clergyman

Reverend ² British  

/ ˈrɛvərənd /

adjective

1. Abbreviations: Rev..   Revd.  a title of respect for a clergyman See also Very Reverend Right Reverend Most Reverend

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Usage

Reverend with a surname alone ( Reverend Smith ), as a term of address ( ``Yes, Reverend'' ), or in the salutation of a letter ( Dear Rev. Mr Smith ) are all generally considered to be wrong usage. Preferred are ( the ) Reverend John Smith or Reverend Mr Smith and Dear Mr Smith

Other Word Forms

• reverendship noun

Etymology

Origin of reverend

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin reverendus worthy of being revered, gerund of reverērī to revere ¹

Example Sentences

"ICE has even been arresting airport workers while they are on the job," said one of those who protested, reverend Mariah Furness Tollgaard of Hamline Church United Methodist.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

“I don’t understand how as a pastor, he thinks that that’s acceptable,” Levy Armstrong, also an ordained reverend, said in a Washington Post interview Monday.

From Salon • Jan. 20, 2026

Now, the reverend implored his congregation: “Someone say mission possible.”

From BBC • Oct. 18, 2024

It lacked the edge of its WB contemporaries like “Dawson’s Creek,” “Felicity” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” and its storylines usually involved the reverend gravely imparting biblical lessons to his family.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 29, 2024

I find the rituals comforting—the tried-and-true hymns, sermons by the mild- mannered, slope-shouldered reverend that emphasize decency and good manners.

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline