noun
Common
rex
REHKS
Rex (noun) means a king, especially used as a title in ancient Rome or in formal Latin-style titles. Example: “The historian explained that rex was the Latin title for a king.”
noun
1
A king, especially used as a title in ancient Rome or in formal Latin-style titles.
"The historian explained that rex was the Latin title for a king."
"Under the portrait, the engraver carved the single word rex."
"The old seal was engraved with the Latin word "rex.""
2
An animal, especially a rabbit or cat, with a genetic trait that gives it very short or curly fur.
"The breeder showed us a rex cat with soft, tightly curled whiskers."
"A rex rabbit has such short fur that it looks plush."
"The rex rabbit's fur felt like velvet."
name
1
A male given name, from the Latin word for "king," first used as a personal name in the 1800s.
"Her grandfather was named Rex after his own father's nickname."
How to use rex
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLatin for "king," now mostly known as a men's first name and a common name for pet dogs.
Common pairings
rex rabbit
rex cat
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Word forms
- Plural
- rexes, reges
- Third person singular
- rexes
- Past tense
- rexed
Fill the gap
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The historian explained that _____ was the Latin title for a king.
Etymology
From Latin rex ("king"). As a name for short-furred rabbits and cats it entered English around 1920, after the "castorrex" rabbit breed.
Class of 1920
rex joined the language around 1920.
See the full Class of 1920 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “rex” mean?
The word “rex” means a king, especially used as a title in ancient Rome or in formal Latin-style titles. In plain terms, latin for "king," now mostly known as a men's first name and a common name for pet dogs.
How do you pronounce “rex”?
“Rex” is pronounced REHKS (/ˈɹɛks/ in IPA).
How do you use “rex” in a sentence?
Here is “rex” used in a sentence: “The old seal was engraved with the Latin word "rex.".”
What part of speech is “rex”?
Depending on how it is used, “rex” can be a noun and a name.
Where does the word “rex” come from?
The word “rex” dates back to around 1920 and comes from Latin. From Latin rex ("king"). As a name for short-furred rabbits and cats it entered English around 1920, after the "castorrex" rabbit breed.
Is “rex” a common word?
“Rex” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “rex” have?
“Rex” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a king, especially used as a title in ancient Rome or in formal Latin-style titles.
What is the difference between 'rex' and 'regina'?
In Latin, 'rex' means 'king' and 'regina' means 'queen.' They appear in formal titles and legal phrasing, where 'Rex' follows a king's name and 'Regina' a queen's.
Is 'Rex' used as a first name?
Yes. 'Rex' is a male given name taken from the Latin word for 'king.' As a personal name it is fairly uncommon, and it is also familiar as a traditional name for pet dogs.
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