revel

play

verb rev·el \ ˈre-vəl \

Definition of revel

reveled or revelled; reveling or revelling play \ˈre-və-liŋ, ˈrev-liŋ\

intransitive verb

1 :to take part in a revel :carouse

2 :to take intense pleasure or satisfaction

reveled in the quiet after everyone had gone

See revel defined for English-language learners

See revel defined for kids

Examples of revel in a Sentence

reveling all night is not conducive to a productive next day at work

Recent Examples of revel from the Web

Those who forgo the car for a week and revel in the glory of the prettiest beach in the universe.

— birmingham magazine, AL.com, "Opinion: Seaside is the best vacation destination," 27 Aug. 2017
Since American Horror Story first debuted, Ryan Murphy has reveled in making his fans squirm as much as possible—especially Evan Peters devotees.

— laura bradley, HWD, "Why American Horror Story: Cult Will Be Very, Very Rough on Evan Peters Fans," 22 Aug. 2017
For now, revel in the solid gold of grass and dirt beneath you.

— bess matassa, Teen Vogue, "Total Solar Eclipse Horoscope," 19 Aug. 2017
Why did so many revel in giving one of the best players in the history of the franchise such a hard time?

— mo egger, Cincinnati.com, "Guest TML: Let me tell you about Doc...," 18 Aug. 2017
Aronofsky has reveled in sharing sordid little teasers, like a creepy poster for the new film that features an illustration of Lawrence holding her bloody heart in her hands.

— yohana desta, vanityfair.com, "Jennifer Lawrence’s Mother Continues to Look Absolutely Bonkers," 31 July 2017
Smart move: With expectations lowered, fans can revel in the re-creation of the flamboyant British band’s hits, with original drummer Roger Taylor and guitarist / astrophysicist Brian May behind him.

— dan deluca, Philly.com, "Dan DeLuca's Mix Picks: Queen + Adam Lambert, Rozwell Kid and Belle & Sebastian, plus 'Equipment For Living'," 27 July 2017
Passpartout gleefully revels in and parodies art's seemingly arbitrary, volatile nature.

— meilan solly, Smithsonian, "New Video Game Parodies What it Means to Be an Art World Star," 26 July 2017
Many African-Americans reveled when Simpson got off; many whites were mortified given the preponderance of the evidence in the case.

— byron mccauley, Cincinnati.com, "McCauley: In Tensing case, race is the elephant in the room," 18 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'revel.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of revel

Middle English, from Anglo-French reveler, literally, to rebel, from Latin rebellare

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

revel Synonyms

Synonyms

binge, birl [chiefly Scottish], carouse, roister, wassail

Related Words

booze, drink, guzzle, liquor (up), soak, tipple

revel

noun

Definition of revel

:a usually wild party or celebration

See revel defined for English-language learners

Examples of revel in a Sentence

in Finland, Midsummer Day ushers in a nationwide revel as the Finns celebrate the endless hours of sunlight with bonfires and parties

Recent Examples of revel from the Web

The show revels in both raunch and darkness, wrapping it up with quirky yet ruthless one-liners, and tops it off with canned laughter.

— darcie wilder, The Cut, "I Think About This a Lot: The Golden Girls Plotline Where Rose Is Addicted to Pills," 21 Aug. 2017
Having come from humble beginnings based in basement concerts of Syracuse University off-campus housing, Petite League revels in their simplicity.

— sadie bell, Billboard, "Brooklynite Garage Rockers Petite League Share 'POCKETKNIFE': Exclusive," 14 Aug. 2017
As a band from the former communist Yugoslavia, Laibach knows oppressive regimes; in fact, the band revels in it.

— charles maynes, USA TODAY, "Here's an idea for engaging with North Korea. Bring in a Western rock band and make a movie about it," 9 Aug. 2017
Perhaps this is for the better, an indication that the current generation revels in peace.

— TIME.com, "Survivors of the Atomic Blasts in Hiroshima and Nagasaki share their stories," 6 Aug. 2017
The play no longer takes place during a midsummer revel on the estate.

— christopher arnott, courant.com, "'Mies Julie' An Overpoliticized Adaptation At Yale Summer Cabaret," 18 July 2017
Lynch revels in the shudder of creepy proximity that comes over the viewer when the everyday turns sinister, when the wallpaper peels back to reveal the insects skittering underneath.

— rachel syme, New Republic, "How the New Twin Peaks Made Television Strange Again," 10 July 2017
American Gods revels in the beauty and power of faith, but this show isn't afraid to admit that gods are created by humans.

— annalee newitz, Ars Technica, "American Gods may be the best show about religion on TV," 21 June 2017
The Need for Speed series revels in its love for all things Fast and Furious, and Payback is no exception.

— brad chacos, PCWorld, "40 must-see PC gaming gems from E3 2017: Watch every trailer," 13 June 2017

First Known Use of revel

14th century

revel Synonyms

Synonyms

binge, frisk, frolic, gambol, idyll (also idyl), lark, ploy, fling, rollick, romp, spree

Related Words

caper, escapade, prank; bender, brannigan, bum, bust, carouse, souse, splore [Scottish], toot; antic, monkeyshine (s), shenanigan (s); field day; festivity, merriment, merrymaking; enjoyment, indulgence, pleasure, self-indulgence; amusement, diversion, entertainment, recreation

REVEL Defined for English Language Learners

revel

noun

Definition of revel for English Language Learners

: a noisy and wild celebration

REVEL Defined for Kids

revel

play

verb rev·el \ ˈre-vəl \

Definition of revel for Students

reveled or revelled; reveling or revelling

:to take great pleasure

He reveled in his success.

revel

noun

Definition of revel for Students

:a noisy or merry celebration

Learn More about revel

See words that rhyme with revel Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for revel Spanish Central: Translation of revel Nglish: Translation of revel for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of revel for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up revel? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

revel

Definition of revel

Read the Latest from M-W

Examples of revel in a Sentence

Recent Examples of revel from the Web

Origin and Etymology of revel

revel Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

revel

Definition of revel

Examples of revel in a Sentence

Recent Examples of revel from the Web

First Known Use of revel

revel Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

Phrases Related to REVEL

Related Phrases

REVEL Defined for English Language Learners

revel

Definition of revel for English Language Learners

REVEL Defined for Kids

revel

Definition of revel for Students

revel

Definition of revel for Students

Learn More about revel

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Breathing Life Into 'Inspire'

Trending: Kim Jong Un: Trump a 'Dotard'

These Are Fighting Words

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Words of the Year: 1066