revival

American  

[ri-vahy-vuhl] / rɪˈvaɪ vəl /

noun

1. restoration to life, consciousness, vigor, strength, etc.

2. restoration to use, acceptance, or currency.

   the revival of old customs.

3. a new production of an old play.

4. a showing of an old motion picture.

5. an awakening, in a church or community, of interest in and care for matters relating to personal religion.

6. an evangelistic service or a series of services for the purpose of effecting a religious awakening.

   to hold a revival.

7. the act of reviving.

8. the state of being revived.

9. Law. the reestablishment of legal force and effect.

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revival British  

/ rɪˈvaɪvəl /

noun

1. the act or an instance of reviving or the state of being revived

2. an instance of returning to life or consciousness; restoration of vigour or vitality

3. a renewed use, acceptance of, or interest in (past customs, styles, etc)

   a revival of learning

   the Gothic revival

4. a new production of a play that has not been recently performed

5. a reawakening of faith or renewal of commitment to religion

6. an evangelistic meeting or service intended to effect such a reawakening in those present

7. the re-establishment of legal validity, as of a judgment, contract, etc

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revival Cultural  

1. In Christianity, an energetic meeting intended to “revive” religious faith. Common among fundamentalists, these meetings are characterized by impassioned preaching and singing.

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Other Word Forms

• nonrevival
  noun
• prerevival
  noun

Etymology

Origin of revival

First recorded in 1645–55; revive + -al ²

Explanation

If something experiences a revival, that means it’s once again popular or important. If a news story mentions a revival in the technology industry, that means the industry, having gone through a slump, is once again thriving. Revival literally means "come back to life." An ER doctor might perform a revival of someone whose heart has stopped. We usually use it to mean "returned to glory, importance, or strength." Fresh paint and new flowerbeds might mean your neighborhood is experiencing a revival. If you don't like spiky hair, you may cringe at the revival of the mohawk in fashion magazines. Revival has a religious sense too, referring to a meeting that reawakens religious excitement and passion.

Example Sentences

“The Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour” is part revival meeting, part homecoming and also simply a fine evening of music.

From Salon • May 28, 2026

When the revival came around, it was easy to slip back in because we had been doing this banter for so long.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

That includes the remodelling and revival of the old capital, Diriyah, in Riyadh and the massive state-of-the-art theme park Six Flags Qiddiya City, also near the Saudi capital.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

Two forces are driving this revival in sentiment.

From Barron's • May 23, 2026

The preacher paced and shouted at the front of the tent, coming close to the revival crowd then veering back behind the plywood podium.

From "Out of Darkness" by Ashley Hope Pérez

Related Words

• recovery
• rejuvenation
• renaissance
• renewal
• restoration
• resurgence
• resurrection
• revitalization