reel

1 of 5

noun (1)

1
: a revolvable device on which something flexible is wound: such as
a
: a small windlass at the butt of a fishing rod for the line
b
chiefly British : a spool or bobbin for sewing thread
c
: a flanged spool for photographic film
especially : one for movies
2
: a quantity of something wound on a reel

reel

2 of 5

verb (1)

reeled; reeling; reels

transitive verb

1
: to wind on or as if on a reel
2
: to draw by reeling a line
reel a fish in

intransitive verb

: to turn a reel
reelable adjective

reel

3 of 5

verb (2)

reeled; reeling; reels

intransitive verb

1
a
: to turn or move round and round
b
: to be in a whirl
2
: to behave in a violent disorderly manner
3
: to waver or fall back (as from a blow)
4
: to walk or move unsteadily

transitive verb

: to cause to reel

reel

4 of 5

noun (2)

: a reeling motion

reel

5 of 5

noun (3)

1
: a lively Scottish-Highland dance
also : the music for this dance
2

Examples of reel in a Sentence

Verb (2) his mind reeled upon hearing the news that his employer had been indicted for fraud got off the amusement park ride reeling and barely able to stand Noun (2) she slipped and, after an out-of-control reel, fell on her backside
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The lights were off, and the overhead projection screen illuminated by a whirring tan-and-gray reel of film that 9-year-old Marcus Sedberry handled while standing in the back of the classroom. Jesse Temple, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025 As the traditional Hollywood distribution model reels from future shock, there are some who predict that the next generation of independent, punk-rock film artists will find success on YouTube and other freewheeling platforms. Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
In Ukraine, citizens still reeling from the war have been perturbed by Trump’s comments. Natasha Frost, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025 With a basketball in hand, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell delivered a diabolical blow to NBA fans still reeling from the loss of their former franchise. Paulina Dedaj, Fox News, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reel

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English hrēol; akin to Old Norse hræll weaver's reed, Greek krekein to weave

Verb (2)

Middle English relen, probably from reel, noun

Noun (3)

probably from reel entry 4

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Verb (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Noun (2)

1572, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

circa 1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reel was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

“Reel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reel. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

reel

1 of 5 noun
1
a
: a device that can be turned round and round and on which something flexible is wound
b
: a device which is set on the handle of a fishing pole and used for winding up or letting out the line
c
: a narrow spool with a rim used to guide photographic film or magnetic tape
2
: a quantity of something wound on a reel
3
: a frame for drying clothes

reel

2 of 5 verb
1
: to wind on or as if on a reel
2
: to pull (as a fish) by reeling a line
3
: to wind or turn a reel
reelable adjective
reeler noun

reel

3 of 5 verb
1
a
: to whirl around
reeling in a dance
b
: to be in a whirl
heads reeling with excitement
2
: to fall back (as from a blow)
3
: to walk or move unsteadily

reel

4 of 5 noun
: a reeling motion

reel

5 of 5 noun
: a lively dance originally of the Scottish Highlands
also : the music for this dance

More from Merriam-Webster on reel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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