rev

[ rev ]
See synonyms for rev on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. a revolution (in an engine or the like).

verb (used with object),revved, rev·ving.
  1. to accelerate sharply the speed of (an engine or the like) (often followed by up).

verb (used without object),revved, rev·ving.
  1. (of an engine) to accelerate; become revved (often followed by up).

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

Origin of rev

1
First recorded in 1900–05; short for revolution

Other definitions for rev. (2 of 3)

rev.

abbreviation
  1. revenue.

  2. reverse.

  1. review.

  2. reviewed.

  3. revise; revised.

  4. revision.

  5. revolution.

  6. revolving.

Other definitions for Rev. (3 of 3)

Rev.

abbreviation
  1. Bible. Revelation.

  2. Reverend.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use rev in a sentence

  • 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.

  • He revved up again and taxied as rapidly as he dared to the houseboat, swung broadside to it, and throttled back.

British Dictionary definitions for rev (1 of 3)

rev

/ (rɛv) informal /


noun
  1. revolution per minute: the engine was doing 5000 revs

verbrevs, revving or revved
  1. (often foll by up) to increase the speed of revolution of (an engine)

British Dictionary definitions for rev. (2 of 3)

rev.

abbreviation for
  1. revenue

  2. reverse(d)

  1. review

  2. revise(d)

  3. revision

  4. revolution

  5. revolving

British Dictionary definitions for Rev. (3 of 3)

Rev.

abbreviation for
  1. Bible Revelation

  2. 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