noun Music Slang

Rave

/reɪv/ · noun · informal

A large dance party with electronic music, often running all night.

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Definitions

1

Historically, an illegal or underground gathering, especially in '80s and '90s acid house culture.

“My uncle used to drive hours to find secret raves in fields.”
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2

As a verb, to dance energetically or party hard at such an event.

“We raved until the sun came up.”
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3

A large, often all-night dance party centered on electronic music and DJs.

“We're going to a warehouse rave on Saturday.”
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Rave In A Sentence

The rave doesn't even start till midnight.
Best rave of my life, the bass was unreal.
Bringing glow sticks to the rave, obviously.

Origin & Usage

British slang dating to the 1950s for a wild party, but it exploded in the late-1980s UK acid house and electronic music scene. It now refers to large EDM dance events worldwide.

Variants RavingRaverRave-Up
Tags #uk#british#music#90s

People Also Ask

What is a rave?

It's a large dance party built around electronic music and DJs, often running all night. They range from clubs to huge festivals and warehouses.

Are raves illegal?

Not anymore by default. Historically many were illegal underground events, but today most raves and EDM festivals are fully licensed.

Where did the word rave come from?

It's old British slang for a wild party, but it took its modern meaning during the late-1980s UK acid house scene.

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