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

As the farm’s social media presence on Facebook and Instagram expands and word-of-mouth grows that there are reindeer living 30 minutes from downtown Kansas City, the crowds grow each year. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026

High levels of CoQ10 are found in reindeer (venison), beef, and pork. — Verywell Health, 16 July 2026

Researchers have also recovered what Smithsonian Magazine reports is the world's oldest intact pair of wooden skis, along with a 3,000-year-old arrow once used by a Bronze Age reindeer hunter. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 22 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