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

Visitors can see Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer, go wild swimming, and hike through beautiful landscapes. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 2025

Departing from Longyearbyen, Svalbard, guests will journey through fjords and remote islands in search of polar bears, walruses, reindeer, Arctic foxes, and whales in their natural habitat. —India Brown, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2025

Between eclipse viewing, explore this pristine wilderness through Zodiac excursions with expert naturalist guides, kayak among icebergs, and cruise alongside towering glaciers while searching for polar bears, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, whales and countless seabirds. —Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025

The bar is decorated with candy canes, stockings, elves, Santas, reindeer, presents and Christmas trees. —Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 July 2025

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
• tuyere
• acyclovir
• asthenosphere
• ganciclovir
• magnetosphere
• atmosphere
• biosphere
• centromere
• chemosphere

Kids Definition

reindeer

noun

rein·​deer ˈrān-ˌdi(ə)r 

plural reindeer also reindeers

: caribou

—used especially for one of the Old World