revel

1 of 2

verb

rev·​el ˈre-vəl How to pronounce revel (audio)
reveled or revelled; reveling or revelling ˈre-və-liŋ How to pronounce revel (audio)
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

revel

2 of 2

noun

: a usually wild party or celebration

Example Sentences

Verb reveling all night is not conducive to a productive next day at work Noun in Finland, Midsummer Day ushers in a nationwide revel as the Finns celebrate the endless hours of sunlight with bonfires and parties
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
But the movie seems to revel a little too enthusiastically in its own ugliness. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Dec. 2022 Some corners of the right-wing media universe, represented by the Carlsons of the world, revel in the chaos. Oliver Darcy, CNN, 5 Jan. 2023 When all intention fails, the fox— which never had a human use— will revel in irrelevance, rolling in the uncut grass. Harper’s Magazine , 14 Dec. 2022 The controversy that enveloped the Hollywood Foreign Press Association was rarely invoked among the Golden Globe Award winners who came backstage at the Beverly Hilton to revel in their victories. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 10 Jan. 2023 There’s something special about Black people coming together to revel in this heritage, says Kairis Chiaji, 51, of the Loyalty Riderz, a Black trail riding club outside Sacramento. Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2022 The Styles fandom took to social media soapboxes to revel in the news. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 18 Nov. 2022 But past skeptics be damned, the album has stood the test of time, with many now backpedaling their initial criticisms to revel in her unabashed outbursts of rage and ecstasy and its thematic anchor of tender love and care. Allaire Nuss, EW.com, 7 Nov. 2022 Chicago Bears players had Tuesday off to revel in their 33-14 upset win over the New England Patriots, but coach Matt Eberflus was back at Halas Hall beginning to plan for the Dallas Cowboys on a short week. Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 25 Oct. 2022
Noun
Cut the chocolate revel bars in slices and grab for an on-the-go snack. Bhg Test Kitchen, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2023 These revel bars are an all-time favorite of many on the Better Homes and Gardens staff. Bhg Test Kitchen, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Aug. 2022 Fans of the game revel in watching tour players launch moon balls that fly forever. Dave Shedloski, WSJ, 16 June 2022 Many highlights along the track revel in the awesome beauty of the Serpentine and Ormiston Gorges and the astonishing immensity of Standley Chasm, seen from the Summit of Mount Sonder. Anabel Dean, CNN, 18 May 2022 The honeymoon phase will be short-lived, so help your loved one revel in it. Kris Frieswick, WSJ, 13 May 2022 Some who have lost a loved one revel in defying convention and remaining joyful. Washington Post, 19 Apr. 2022 The cast revel in this challenge, all working in concert to create the illusion of what isn't there. Nick Romano, EW.com, 14 Apr. 2022 Throughout this in vino veritas revel, every sip of Jack Daniels and every comestible gives the partiers sustenance. Armond White, National Review, 1 Oct. 2021 See More

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.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of revel was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near revel

Cite this Entry

“Revel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/revel. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

revel

1 of 2 verb
rev·​el ˈrev-əl How to pronounce revel (audio)
reveled or revelled; reveling or revelling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce revel (audio)
1
: to take part in a revel : be noisy in a festive manner
2
: to take great delight in something
reveler noun
or reveller
-(ə-)lər

revel

2 of 2 noun
: a noisy or merry celebration

More from Merriam-Webster on revel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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


Love It or Hate It

  • heart-fire
  • When asked about her blind date, Carol spoke for hours with vitriol.
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY