revels: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Rare / Literary / Archaic)Literary, formal, or historical. When used, it often carries a poetic or archaic tone.
Quick answer
What does “revels” mean?
Noisy, lively festivities or merrymaking.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Noisy, lively festivities or merrymaking; celebrations involving feasting, dancing, and entertainment.
A period of boisterous, often indulgent, social enjoyment or a specific event characterized by such activities. Historically, it can refer to an organized festival, such as the Lord of Misrule festivities at court or university.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is equally rare and literary in both variants. The associated imagery (e.g., Elizabethan or medieval court festivities) is slightly more culturally salient in the UK.
Connotations
Connotes historic, elaborate, or slightly archaic festivities. Suggests more formality and tradition than modern words like 'party'.
Frequency
Extremely low-frequency in contemporary speech for both, used primarily in historical writing, literature, or evocative descriptions.
Grammar
How to Use “revels” in a Sentence
[Subject] held/attended/participated in the revels.The revels [verb: continued/ceased/began].[Prepositional phrase] of revels (e.g., a night of revels).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “revels” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They revelled long into the night.
- He revelled in his unexpected victory.
American English
- They reveled until dawn.
- She reveled in the chaos of the city.
adverb
British English
- N/A (Not standard)
- N/A
American English
- N/A (Not standard)
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The revelrous crowd spilled into the street. (Very rare/poetic)
- N/A (standard adjective is 'reveling' from verb)
American English
- N/A (standard adjective is 'reveling')
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or cultural studies contexts (e.g., 'The court revels of Henry VIII').
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used for humorous or poetic effect (e.g., 'The office Christmas do descended into mild revels').
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “revels”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “revels”
- Using it as a singular countable noun (e.g., 'a revel') to mean the festivities themselves is incorrect. 'A revel' is an act of reveling. 'The revels' is correct for the event.
- Confusing with 'revelation'.
- Using in modern, casual contexts where 'party' or 'celebration' is more appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a plural noun when referring to festivities. The singular 'revel' refers to the act of taking pleasure or a single instance of merrymaking.
It would sound archaic, poetic, or humorous. 'Party' or 'celebration' is more natural for modern contexts.
To 'revel' (UK: revelled, revelling; US: reveled, reveling). It means to enjoy oneself in a lively, noisy way.
Yes, notably in Shakespeare's "The Tempest": "Our revels now are ended..." and in Milton's poetry. It's also the name of traditional Christmas festivals in some UK towns.
Noisy, lively festivities or merrymaking.
Revels is usually literary, formal, or historical. when used, it often carries a poetic or archaic tone. in register.
Revels: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɛv(ə)lz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛvəlz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Lord of Misrule (historically presided over revels)”
- “None directly with 'revels' as a fixed phrase.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine REVEL-ling S (multiple people) at a festival: Many people REVEL at the REVELS.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A FESTIVAL ("the brief revels of youth"). CELEBRATION IS RELEASE ("revels" imply letting go of inhibitions).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely context for the word 'revels'?