revue: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Artistic, Historical
Quick answer
What does “revue” mean?
A theatrical entertainment consisting of a series of short sketches, songs, and dances, often satirical and topical.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A theatrical entertainment consisting of a series of short sketches, songs, and dances, often satirical and topical.
A professional show or presentation, especially one reviewing or summarizing recent events, trends, or a period of work in a humorous or critical light. Also used metaphorically for any series of varied items or performances presented together.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used identically in both varieties, though the art form had a particularly strong tradition in London's West End and Paris. The American spelling is the same.
Connotations
Connotes classic, often glamorous, theatrical entertainment. May have a slightly old-fashioned or nostalgic air in both regions.
Frequency
Low-frequency in general modern usage, but stable within historical discussions of theatre and entertainment.
Grammar
How to Use “revue” in a Sentence
[Theatre] is staging/producing/putting on a new REVUE.She performed in a REVUE.The REVUE satirised/parodied [current politicians].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “revue” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The troupe aimed to revue the political landscape with wit.
- (Note: This verb use is extremely rare and archaic.)
American English
- (Verb form is virtually obsolete in modern American English.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- He was a revue comedian of the old school.
- The revue format allowed for rapid-fire jokes.
American English
- She got her start in revue theater in New York.
- His revue-style act was a hit in Vegas.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except metaphorically: 'The CEO's presentation was a revue of the department's failures.'
Academic
Used in theatre history, cultural studies, and media studies to describe a specific performance genre.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Might be used by older generations or in arts communities.
Technical
Specific term in performing arts. Can also appear in historical linguistics relating to the word 'review'.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “revue”
- Misspelling as 'review'.
- Using it to mean a critical written assessment.
- Pronouncing it as /riːˈvjuː/ (like 'review').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A musical has a continuous narrative plot that drives the songs and scenes. A revue is a collection of independent, often topical, sketches and songs without an overarching story.
Yes, etymologically. Both come from French 'revoir' (to see again). 'Review' (to assess) and 'revue' (a show 'reviewing' topics) diverged in meaning.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialised term. You will encounter it mainly in historical or artistic contexts, not in everyday conversation.
Virtually never in modern English. The verb form is obsolete. Use 'review' for the act of assessing or surveying.
A theatrical entertainment consisting of a series of short sketches, songs, and dances, often satirical and topical.
Revue is usually formal, artistic, historical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A revue of the year's events.”
- “His career was a constant revue of changing styles.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a RE-VIEW: seeing the news, events, or fashions of the year again, but on stage with music and jokes.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A PERFORMANCE (e.g., 'a revue of the decade'); CRITIQUE IS SPECTACLE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary distinguishing feature of a revue?