revenant

American  

[rev-uh-nuhnt] / ˈrɛv ə nənt /

noun

1. a person who returns.

2. a person who returns as a spirit after death; ghost.

3. a corpse reanimated by a supernatural force; an undead being.

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revenant British  

/ ˈrɛvɪnənt /

noun

1. something, esp a ghost, that returns

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Etymology

Origin of revenant

First recorded in 1820–30; from French: literally, “one returning from a long absence; ghost,” noun use of present participle of revenir “to return,” equivalent to re- “again” + ven(ir) “to come” + -ant present participle ending; re- -ant

Example Sentences

This reminded me, in Italian-American culture, of pastina — a grain that has deep, revenant importance throughout both Italy, America and many countries beyond that.

From Salon • Jan. 26, 2024

“There is, incidentally, nothing odd in the revenant being a woman,” Rady said of the Polish case.

From Washington Post • Sep. 7, 2022

If you’re of a particular temperament - a true Music Head, for example - you can almost get spiritual about the revenant power represented by the history contained on all that vinyl.

From Washington Times • Jun. 19, 2019

"Trauma," Díaz wrote, "is stronger than any mask; it can't be buried and it can't be killed. It's the revenant that won't stop, the ghost that's always coming for you."

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2018

Our revenant rowed to the side of a dock and held it with one hand.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson