noun

revenant

REH-vuh-nuhnt

Revenant (noun) means a spirit or reanimated corpse said to return from the dead, as in folklore or horror fiction. Example: “The film follows a revenant seeking vengeance on those who left him for dead.”

noun

A spirit or reanimated corpse said to return from the dead, as in folklore or horror fiction.

"The film follows a revenant seeking vengeance on those who left him for dead."

"Local legend told of a revenant that stalked the old churchyard."

Someone who reappears after a long absence.

"He arrived at the reunion like a revenant, unrecognisable after twenty years abroad."

How to use revenant

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething (usually a dead person, in folklore) that comes back.

Memory tip

You'll mostly meet this word in horror or fantasy writing.

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Word forms

more revenant comparative, revenants plural, most revenant superlative

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The film follows a _____ seeking vengeance on those who left him for dead.

Etymology

Borrowed in the 19th century from French revenant, "coming back", from revenir, "to return" — the same root that gives us "revenue".

Origin: French · First attested 1800

Class of 1800 revenant joined the language around 1800.

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Rhymes for revenant

tenant covenant lieutenant

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Frequently asked questions

What does “revenant” mean?

The word “revenant” means a spirit or reanimated corpse said to return from the dead, as in folklore or horror fiction. In plain terms, something (usually a dead person, in folklore) that comes back.

How do you pronounce “revenant”?

“Revenant” is pronounced REH-vuh-nuhnt (/ˈɹɛvənənt/ in IPA).

How do you use “revenant” in a sentence?

Here is “revenant” used in a sentence: “The film follows a revenant seeking vengeance on those who left him for dead.”

What part of speech is “revenant”?

“Revenant” is a noun.

Where does the word “revenant” come from?

The word “revenant” dates back to around 1800 and comes from French. Borrowed in the 19th century from French revenant, "coming back", from revenir, "to return" — the same root that gives us "revenue".

How many meanings does “revenant” have?

“Revenant” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a spirit or reanimated corpse said to return from the dead, as in folklore or horror fiction.