reindeer

noun

rein·​deer ˈrān-ˌdir How to pronounce reindeer (audio)
: caribou
used especially for one of the Old World

Examples of reindeer in a Sentence

a large herd of reindeer
Recent Examples on the Web With only hours to go and one working reindeer, the challenge to deliver everything on time ensues. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 Sep. 2024 The latter features roasted bone marrow, Arctic char, reindeer shank, and the classic Sami dish bidos. David Nikel, Forbes, 14 Sep. 2024 Heat waves and other shifting weather patterns are causing chaos in ecosystems that Indigenous hunters and fishermen have long relied on, disrupting everything from the migration of caribou and reindeer to the abundance of wild-berryharvests. Anna Canny, NPR, 13 Sep. 2024 This year's eight-flavor line-up is made up of old favorites, revisiting us just like Santa's eight trusty reindeer do each year. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reindeer 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reindeer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English reindere, from Old Norse hreinn reindeer + Middle English deer animal, deer

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reindeer was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near reindeer

Cite this Entry

“Reindeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reindeer. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

reindeer

noun
rein·​deer ˈrān-ˌdi(ə)r How to pronounce reindeer (audio)
plural reindeer also reindeers
: caribou
used especially for one of the Old World

More from Merriam-Webster on reindeer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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