reindeer

noun

rein·​deer ˈrān-ˌdir 

: 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

Guests are welcomed into a lavvu (traditional tent) to cook over open flames, meet reindeer, and listen to joik—ancestral singing passed down through generations. — Lea Lane, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

In Finland’s Lapland, better known as the home of Santa Claus, visitors are trading reindeer rides for a chance to strike gold. — Kimberly Richardson, CNN Money, 4 June 2026

Meanwhile, the restaurant menu highlights the region’s bounty and traditional Arctic fare, including fresh seafood, reindeer meat, mushrooms, and berries. — Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2026

Ocean Explorer is a perfect ship for adventures in the polar regions; book a trip to Svalbard for hiking, polar bear (and walrus and arctic fox and reindeer) sightings, and kayaking. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 June 2026

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

Phrases Containing reindeer

• reindeer moss

Rhymes for reindeer

• headgear
• midyear
• nazir
• ophir
• switchgear
• tuyere
• acyclovir
• asthenosphere
• ganciclovir
• magnetosphere
• atmosphere
• biosphere

Kids Definition

reindeer

noun

rein·​deer ˈrān-ˌdi(ə)r 

plural reindeer also reindeers

: caribou

—used especially for one of the Old World