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’ll pray the great gods give the reverend good luck on that.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 22, 2025

Craig “The Hatchet Man” Johnson, a self-described reverend, the founder and president of educational advocacy organization First Amendment, Inc, and the host of conservative radio program “The REALLY, Real, Deal,” is one such endorser.

From Salon • Jun. 21, 2025

Meanwhile, local reverend Tim Edwards said prayers were being offered at St Katherine's church in Knockholt "for the family and all affected".

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2025

The reverend admitted that he hadn’t read a single word yet today.

From "Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy" by Gary D. Schmidt