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• reverend
  reverend

  adjective

  (used as a title of respect applied or prefixed to the name of a member of the clergy or a religious order).
• Reverend
  Reverend

  adjective

  a title of respect for a clergyman See also Very Reverend Right Reverend Most Reverend

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

Explanation

Use the noun reverend to talk about a clergy member of a Christian church, as in: "Let's ask the reverend if she'll marry us next week." A minister, preacher, or priest can each also be called a reverend. The word is often capitalized, especially when it's used in the form "the Reverend so-and-so." In the early 15th century, it meant "worthy of respect," a meaning that's sometimes still used today, and by the late part of that century it was being used for clergy members too, though it was earliest spelled reverent.

Example Sentences

At the Whitehall service, Reverend Dr Lyndon Drake recited from The Fallen by poet Laurence Binyon before a Royal Marines Portsmouth Road Band trumpeter played the last post after which there was a one-minute silence.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

Reverend Catherine Hutton called the attack "horrifying and completely shocking", but criticised the protest as having been "pretty intimidating".

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

When asked about this, the Right Reverend Rod Reid said both the award-winning band and Flint's family had been "very respectful" in their design.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

Leading that effort - against the wishes of the White House - was Reverend Jesse Jackson, who died aged 84 on Tuesday.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

But Reverend Hunt is very ill with the seasickness and he will need help.

From "Blood on the River" by Elisa Carbone