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

Comprising more than 300 folktales and legends from northern Norway, including many from the coastal Sámi and the Skolt Sámi of eastern Finland, this anthology shares narratives told by fishers, farmers, reindeer herders, lay preachers and teachers. —Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 7 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

Cheval Blanc Courchevel’s mustard exterior suggests a traditional, Savoyard scene of reindeer rugs and bannisters carved with twee hearts and cowbells inside. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 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

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