revenant

[ rev-uh-nuhnt ]

noun

1. a person who returns.
2. a person who returns as a spirit after death; ghost.
3. a corpse reanimated by a supernatural force; an undead being.

revenant

/ ˈrɛvɪnənt /

noun

1. something, esp a ghost, that returns

Word History and Origins

Origin of revenant¹

First recorded in 1820–30; from French: literally, “one returning from a long absence; ghost,” noun use of present participle of revenir “to return,” equivalent to re- “again” + ven(ir) “to come” + -ant present participle ending; re- -ant

Word History and Origins

Origin of revenant¹

C19: from French: ghost, from revenir to come back, from Latin revenīre , from re- + venīre to come

Example Sentences

The imagery conjures a supernatural patchwork of revenants and Superman.

From Los Angeles Times

This reminded me, in Italian-American culture, of pastina — a grain that has deep, revenant importance throughout both Italy, America and many countries beyond that.

From Salon

But in spite of the ghouls and revenants and other morbid players from the sidewalk boneyard, Halloween is a holiday for the living.

From New York Times

I’m especially interested in the enigmatic “revenant,” Maram, who becomes a local healer after escaping from slavery.

From Los Angeles Times

Tulare Lake is not a phantom, but a revenant: that which returns.

From Los Angeles Times