rev

1 of 4

noun

ˈrev 

1

: a revolution of a motor

2

: revolution per minute

—usually used in plural

rev

2 of 4

verb

revved; revving

transitive verb

1

a

: to step up the number of revolutions per minute of

—often used with up

rev up the engine

b

: increase

—used with up

rev up production

2

: to drive or operate especially at high speed

—often used with up

3

: to make more active or effective

—used with up

revving up the economy

4

: to stir up : excite

—usually used with up

revved up the kids before bedtime

intransitive verb

1

: to operate at an increased speed of revolution

—usually used with up

2

: to increase in amount or activity

—usually used with up

the campaign revved up

3

: to become more excited especially in anticipation

—usually used with up

the partygoers were revving up

rev

3 of 4

abbreviation (1)

1

revenue

2

reverse

3

review; reviewed

4

revised; revision

5

revolution

Rev

4 of 4

abbreviation (2)

1

Revelation

2

reverend

Synonyms

Verb

• arouse
• encourage
• excite
• fire (up)
• impassion
• incite
• instigate
• move
• pique
• provoke
• spark
• stimulate
• stir

Examples of rev in a Sentence

Verb

the team was revved up by the coach's do-or-die locker room speech

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The pulse and power of gasoline engine at high rev carries a signature all its own. —Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2024

Again and again, followed by hard braking—courtesy of Wilwood—and a downshift or two after a bit of throttle blipping to rev match. —Michael Van Runkle, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

Verb

Here’s where to stay, what to do and how to rev your engine during the Las Vegas Grand Prix. —Passport By Forbeslife, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024

Located inside the Cromwell, Giada — which just celebrated its 10th year on the Strip — boasts a weekend brunch gets guests’ engines revving. —Mark Gray, People.com, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

short for revolution

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1920, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing rev

• rev up

Kids Definition

rev

1 of 2 noun

ˈrev 

: a revolution of a motor

rev

2 of 2 verb

revved; revving

1

a

: to increase the revolutions per minute of (a motor)

b

: increase

—used with up

rev up production

2

: to make more active or effective

—used with up

needed to rev up the campaign

3

: excite sense 1

—usually used with up

revved the kids up