reveille
C2Formal / Military
Definition
Meaning
A bugle call or signal sounded early in the morning to wake military personnel.
More broadly, any signal or event that marks the beginning of the day's activities; sometimes used metaphorically for an abrupt or early awakening.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is almost exclusively associated with military contexts. Its metaphorical use ('a reveille of bird song') is poetic and rare.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use the term identically within military contexts. American English might be slightly more likely to use it metaphorically in literary contexts.
Connotations
Strong military discipline, routine, and the start of a structured day. Can connote an unwelcome, early interruption to sleep.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general English. Almost entirely confined to historical, military, or specific literary texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The bugler sounded the reveille at 0600 hours.Reveille was sounded at dawn.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Before you can say 'reveille'”
- “The reveille of conscience”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical or military studies contexts.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Standard term in military manuals and procedures.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The soldiers must get up when they hear the reveille.
- Reveille is sounded at 6 a.m. sharp throughout the barracks.
- The haunting sound of the reveille echoing across the camp signalled the start of another gruelling day.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a REBel soldier being woken up by a bugle call and saying 'REVille, not again!'
Conceptual Metaphor
THE START OF AN ACTIVITY IS A WAKE-UP CALL.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- False friend: Not related to 'реверанс' (curtsy) or 'револьвер' (revolver). The Russian military equivalent is 'подъём'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling: 'revali', 'revalley', 'revelle'. Incorrect pronunciation: /riːˈveɪl/.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'reveille'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost never in literal sense. Rare, metaphorical use exists in literature (e.g., 'the reveille of birds').
Reveille is the morning wake-up call. 'Taps' is the evening signal for lights out, often associated with remembrance.
No, it is only a noun. The action is 'to sound the reveille'.
The word entered English from French. The British pronunciation /rɪˈvæl.i/ is closer to the original French. The American /ˈrɛv.əl.i/ is a later anglicised pronunciation.