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

"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

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

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

From BBC • Oct. 18, 2024

Then our votes will be the kind of prayer the reverend speaks of, one “for the world we desire for ourselves and our children.”

From Slate • Aug. 25, 2024

That was not the only rebuke I received on account of my trespasses against the reverend.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela