raven
2 synonyms and 1 antonym for raven, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A large, glossy black bird in the crow family, known for its deep call and intelligence.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
jet-black
ebony
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A large, glossy black bird in the crow family, known for its deep call and intelligence.
“A raven perched on the fence post, watching them work.”
jet-black
ebony
2. adjective
Deep glossy black, like a raven's feathers — usually describing hair.
“She had long, raven hair that shone in the sunlight.”
Opposites
How to use raven
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
raven hair
raven black
a raven's call
Etymology
From Old English hræfn, going back to a Proto-Germanic word for the bird, likely imitating its harsh call.
Full origin of raven →Frequently asked questions
What does “raven” mean?
The word “raven” means a large, glossy black bird in the crow family, known for its deep call and intelligence. In plain terms, a large black crow-like bird, or (as an adjective) a deep glossy black color, usually for hair.
How do you pronounce “raven”?
“Raven” is pronounced RAYVN (/ˈɹeɪvən/ in IPA).
How do you use “raven” in a sentence?
Here is “raven” used in a sentence: “A raven perched on the fence post, watching them work.”
What part of speech is “raven”?
Depending on how it is used, “raven” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “raven” come from?
The word “raven” comes from Old English. From Old English hræfn, going back to a Proto-Germanic word for the bird, likely imitating its harsh call.
Is “raven” a common word?
“Raven” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “raven” have?
“Raven” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large, glossy black bird in the crow family, known for its deep call and intelligence.
What is the difference between a raven and a crow?
A raven is a large, glossy black bird in the crow family, generally bigger than a common crow, with a deeper, more resonant call and a wedge-shaped tail. Ravens are also noted for particularly strong intelligence and problem-solving ability compared with many other birds.
Why are ravens considered intelligent birds?
Ravens are known within the crow family for notable intelligence, including problem-solving skills and complex behavior, which has made them a frequent subject of study among researchers of animal cognition.
