revolution
rehv-uh-LOO-shuhn
Revolution (noun) means a forcible overthrow of a government or social order in favour of a new system. Example: “The French Revolution reshaped politics across Europe.”
noun
1
A forcible overthrow of a government or social order in favour of a new system.
"The French Revolution reshaped politics across Europe."
"Historians study how the revolution changed the country's laws and society."
"Many ordinary workers took part in the revolution, hoping for a fairer life."
2
A dramatic and sweeping change in ideas, methods, or circumstances.
"The internet caused a revolution in how people communicate."
"Electric bikes have started a revolution in the way we travel to work."
"The invention of printing was a revolution for education and learning."
3
One complete turn of an object around a central axis or orbit.
"The Earth completes one revolution around the Sun each year."
"A gauge shows how many revolutions the engine makes each minute."
"The record player completes one revolution every couple of seconds."
How to use revolution
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA total, sweeping change — whether it's a government being overthrown, an industry being transformed, or a planet completing an orbit.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
industrial revolution
digital revolution
one revolution per second
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Word forms
- Plural
- revolutions
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The French _____ reshaped politics across Europe.
Etymology
From Old French revolucion, from Late Latin revolutio, "the act of revolving", from Latin revolvo, "to roll back".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for revolution
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for revolution →
Frequently asked questions
What does “revolution” mean?
The word “revolution” means a forcible overthrow of a government or social order in favour of a new system. In plain terms, a total, sweeping change — whether it's a government being overthrown, an industry being transformed, or a planet completing an orbit.
How do you pronounce “revolution”?
“Revolution” is pronounced rehv-uh-LOO-shuhn (/ˌɹɛv.əˈluː.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “revolution” in a sentence?
Here is “revolution” used in a sentence: “The French Revolution reshaped politics across Europe.”
What part of speech is “revolution”?
“Revolution” is a noun.
Where does the word “revolution” come from?
The word “revolution” comes from Late Latin. From Old French revolucion, from Late Latin revolutio, "the act of revolving", from Latin revolvo, "to roll back".
Is “revolution” a common word?
“Revolution” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “revolution” have?
“Revolution” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a forcible overthrow of a government or social order in favour of a new system.
What is the difference between a revolution and a coup?
A revolution is a broad, often popular movement that overthrows a government or whole social order to replace it with a new system. A coup, or coup d'etat, is a sudden seizure of power by a small group, usually the military or elite, that swaps rulers without changing the wider system.
What is the difference between a revolution and a rebellion?
A rebellion is armed resistance against authority that may or may not succeed. A revolution goes further: it actually overthrows the existing order and installs a fundamentally new one. In short, a failed revolution is often called a rebellion, while a successful rebellion becomes a revolution.
What are some famous examples of revolutions?
Political examples include the French Revolution of 1789, the American Revolution, and the Russian Revolution of 1917. The word also names sweeping non-violent change, as in the Industrial Revolution or the digital revolution, where a new system replaces the old without an armed uprising.
Does a revolution have to be violent?
Not always. The classic sense involves forcible overthrow, often with bloodshed, but the word also covers peaceful, radical transformation. Terms like the Velvet Revolution or a cultural revolution describe deep, rapid change in how a society works, achieved largely without violence.
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