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
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.
Featuring hundreds of reindeer skulls hung in a curtain, the installation commented on the cull decreed by the Norwegian Reindeer Herding Act, which goes against Sámi traditions. News Desk, Artforum, 6 Mar. 2025 Those trade networks likely connected Viking peoples in modern countries such as Norway where reindeer dwelled in remote areas with a far larger market. Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 27 Feb. 2025 There’s an actual word for a bull reindeer with a single whopper-size testicle (busat). Inga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025 Those in reindeer herding who lost their fathers early, those who found love, and those faced with the difficult choice to fight or forgive. Annika Pham, Variety, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reindeer

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reindeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reindeer. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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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