Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

reverse English

noun

Definition of reverse English 

1 or reverse side : English imparted to a cue ball causing it to rebound at a more obtuse angle and at a slower speed — compare running english

2 : something that is an apparent contradiction or inverted application putting reverse English on one's words— Richard Wilbur

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Learn More about reverse English

Share reverse English

Statistics for reverse English

Look-up Popularity

Comments on reverse English

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

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

exculpate

to clear from alleged fault or guilt

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Difficult Vocab Quiz

  • the-education-of-achilles-eugne-delacroix
  • Which is a synonym of discomfit?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Dictionary Devil

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games