rev

1 of 4

noun

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The throttle response is increased, with a higher rev limit, and the exhaust is (noticeably) louder. James Morris, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025 The steering yoke is button-clad and compact; ahead of it is a digital display with a dozen LED lights alerting to the upper edges of the 8,500 rpm rev range, and to the right is an aviation-like panel of buttons and switches. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
Strenuous aerobic exercise or strength training for longer than 60 minutes, performing activities in very hot or humid climates, or the physical strain of an unwelcome illness can all rev the body’s metabolism and quickly deplete blood glucose. Bryn Beeder, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2025 Like a Buick Grand National, Kendrick Lamar keeps revving his way onto the Hot 100. Justin Curto, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rev 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of rev was circa 1890

Dictionary Entries Near rev

Cite this Entry

“Rev.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rev. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

rev

1 of 2 noun
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on rev

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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