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 Climate disasters, like British Columbia’s floods, have further weakened already […] The Past How Christmas became an American holiday tradition, with a Santa Claus, gifts and a tree The German-American cartoonist introduced the idea that Santa Claus traveled with a sleigh and reindeer. Big Think, 24 June 2024 The reindeer is realized on stage by a dancer inside a costume on stilts — an illusion that works surprisingly well, just like the puppeteer who controls and sings for the magical snowman Olaf. John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 20 June 2024 While the menu consisted of reindeer in every imaginable preparation from sausage to roast, pork spareribs, salmon, and ample sides were also offered. David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2024 After being rejected by the other reindeer for his glowing nose, Rudolph saves Christmas by allowing Santa to deliver presents during a blizzard. Suelain Moy, Parents, 14 June 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 Jul. 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

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