: a large, glossy-black bird (Corvus corax) that is widely distributed in northern parts of the northern hemisphere but now rare in most areas of the eastern and central U.S. and that differs from the closely related common crow chiefly in its larger size and wedge-shaped tail and in having the feathers of the throat narrow and pointed resulting in a shaggy appearance
also: any of various usually large and glossy black, corvine birds
Adjective
had dark eyes and raven hair Verb
the rat ravened the poisoned bait just as we had hoped
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Noun
An unkindness of ravens, a parliament of owls, an exaltation of larks!—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025 Consider black accents, dark metals like pewter, and subtle skull or raven motifs.—Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Zegler’s hair was coifed by Clayton Hawkins, with wisps of her raven black tresses to frame her face.—Julia Teti, WWD, 13 Mar. 2025 Her raven black hair was styled with a middle part and worn straight and down.—Julia Teti, WWD, 6 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for raven
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English, from Old English hræfn; akin to Old High German hraban raven, Latin corvus, Greek korax
Note:
It is pointed out by the Oxford English Dictionary, third edition, that given the Middle English attestation of the derivatives ravener "plunderer, predatory animal" and ravening "rapacious," this verb may also date to Middle English. Compare Anglo-French raviner "to steal, take away," apparently attested once.
First Known Use
Noun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above
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