English · Word Candidate

rave

/ɹeɪv/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: raves · raving · raved

Sense 1

Meaning · English

An enthusiastic review (such as of a play).

NounRegister: informal

Examples

The first-night audience, yes. The first-night reviewers, not exactly. The notices have so far been mixed, only The Financial Times having delivered itself of an unequivocal rave.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A large-scale dance party with strobe lights and fast-paced electronic dance music, often illegally organized open-air or in underground venues.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To be mentally unclear; to be delirious; to talk or act irrationally; to be wild, furious, or raging.

Verb

Examples

Have I not cause to rave and beat my breast?

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To speak or write wildly or incoherently.

Verb

Examples

"She is in trance. Your daughter, sir, is a powerful medium." "A medium! You are raving."

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “rave” mean?

An enthusiastic review (such as of a play).

Is “rave” formal or informal?

rave is generally informal.