rev

[ rev ]

/ rɛv /

Informal.

Save This Word!

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.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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

(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

He and I were in the same revved-up early morning running group for several months a few years go.
Ranger Rick and the Coyote|Carol Flake Chapman|September 10, 2011|DAILY BEAST
As his motors revved up to send him hurtling forward the control relays clicked open.
The Velvet Glove|Harry Harrison
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
He revved up again and taxied as rapidly as he dared to the houseboat, swung broadside to it, and throttled back.
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