rev

[ rev ]

/ rɛv /

Informal.

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See synonyms for rev on Thesaurus.com

noun

a revolution (in an engine or the like).

verb (used with object), revved, rev·ving.

to accelerate sharply the speed of (an engine or the like) (often followed by up).

verb (used without object), revved, rev·ving.

(of an engine) to accelerate; become revved (often followed by up).

Verb Phrases

rev up, to increase in strength or accelerate sharply: The economy is beginning to rev up.

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Origin of rev

First recorded in 1900–05; short for revolution

Other definitions for rev (2 of 3)

rev.

abbreviation

revenue.

reverse.

review.

reviewed.

revise; revised.

revision.

revolution.

revolving.

Other definitions for rev (3 of 3)

Rev.

abbreviation

Bible. Revelation.

Reverend.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use rev in a sentence

Fumes filled the arena, engines revved, and the beastly vehicles made their way out on to the spotlight.
The Moms of Monster Jam Drive Trucks, Buck Macho Culture|Eliza Krigman|November 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
(Complete CPAC Coverage) A couple of speakers later, Mike Huckabee revved up the crowd with his just-plain-folks sermonizing.
On CPAC Day 2, the Libertarian Wing Takes Over|Michelle Cottle|March 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
After the debt-ceiling vote, both parties revved up their public-relations apparatus.
House GOP Caves on Debt Ceiling, Delaying Confrontation Until Spring|Eleanor Clift|January 24, 2013|DAILY BEAST
But I think African American voters are pretty revved up, myself.
About that 47-47 Poll|Michael Tomasky|October 3, 2012|DAILY BEAST

Now the anti-Islam film has people all revved up against the Americans.
Afghanistan: Of Blasphemy and Suicide Bombers|Sami Yousafzai|September 18, 2012|DAILY BEAST
As his motors revved up to send him hurtling forward the control relays clicked open.
The Velvet Glove|Harry Harrison
He revved the engines impatiently as the big door rolled away and the stars burned in at him.
The Sex Life of the Gods|Michael Knerr
Holding the propeller in neutral, he revved up the powerful electric motor.
Under Arctic Ice|H.G. Winter
Well, between the time you revved up the motorcycle had you heard any more shots?
Warren Commission (3 of 26): Hearings Vol. III (of 15)|The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy
Mike taxied back fast to the laboratory, turned the plane and revved up, holding on the brakes.
The Electronic Mind Reader|John Blaine

British Dictionary definitions for rev (1 of 3)

rev

/ (rɛv) informal /

noun

revolution per minutethe engine was doing 5000 revs

verb revs, revving or revved

(often foll by up) to increase the speed of revolution of (an engine)

British Dictionary definitions for rev (2 of 3)

rev.

abbreviation for

revenue

reverse(d)

review

revise(d)

revision

revolution

revolving

British Dictionary definitions for rev (3 of 3)

Rev.

abbreviation for

Bible Revelation

Reverend

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