reverend

[ rev-er-uhnd, rev-ruhnd ]
See synonyms for reverend on Thesaurus.com
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.

  1. pertaining to or characteristic of the clergy.

noun
  1. Informal. a member of the clergy.

Origin of reverend

1
1400–50; late Middle English <Latin reverendus worthy of being revered, gerund of reverērī to revere1

Other words from reverend

  • rev·er·end·ship, noun

Words that may be confused with reverend

Words Nearby reverend

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use reverend in a sentence

  • He looked up through half closed eyes to see the reverend standing over him.

    The Homesteader | Oscar Micheaux
  • There were five men and three women in the circus troupe, and among the four nuns was the grave reverend mother of a convent.

    The Red Year | Louis Tracy
  • What she meant neither the reverend John Dodd, or any other male person, could ever truly know.

  • Great had been her indignation at the want of respect shown to the reverend John Dodd's cloth.

  • So Glavis (he is the reverend's faithful lieutenant, you know), went out to look up Baptiste and have a talk with him.

    The Homesteader | Oscar Micheaux

British Dictionary definitions for reverend (1 of 2)

reverend

/ (ˈrɛvərənd) /


adjective
  1. worthy of reverence

  2. relating to or designating a clergyman or the clergy

noun
  1. informal a clergyman

Origin of reverend

1
C15: from Latin reverendus fit to be revered; see revere

British Dictionary definitions for Reverend (2 of 2)

Reverend

/ (ˈrɛvərənd) /


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

usage For Reverend

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012