# revving

/ˈɹɛvɪŋ/ (US) · /ɹˈɛvɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/revving
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

to make a vehicle engine run faster and louder, usually while the vehicle is not moving. You do it to warm up the engine or to prepare to drive fast.

For teachers: to increase the rotational speed of an engine, producing a louder sound, typically while stationary. Often done to warm an engine, prepare for acceleration, or signal impatience.

## Examples

- He is revving his motorbike outside our house.
- The taxi driver keeps revving the engine at the lights, ready to move as soon as they turn green.
- From the garage came the low sound of revving engines as the mechanics tested each restored car before the morning race.

## Usage notes

- Commonly takes 'engine' or a vehicle as object; intransitive use without an object is also frequent.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.