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reel

noun (1)
\ ˈrēl \

Definition of reel

 (Entry 1 of 5)

1 : a revolvable device on which something flexible is wound: such as
a : a small windlass at the butt of a fishing rod for the line
b chiefly British : a spool or bobbin for sewing thread
c : a flanged spool for photographic film especially : one for motion pictures
2 : a quantity of something wound on a reel

reel

verb (1)
reeled; reeling; reels

Definition of reel (Entry 2 of 5)

transitive verb

1 : to wind on or as if on a reel
2 : to draw by reeling a line reel a fish in

intransitive verb

: to turn a reel

reel

verb (2)
reeled; reeling; reels

Definition of reel (Entry 3 of 5)

intransitive verb

1a : to turn or move round and round
b : to be in a whirl
2 : to behave in a violent disorderly manner
3 : to waver or fall back (as from a blow)
4 : to walk or move unsteadily

transitive verb

: to cause to reel

reel

noun (2)

Definition of reel (Entry 4 of 5)

: a reeling motion

reel

noun (3)

Definition of reel (Entry 5 of 5)

1 : a lively Scottish-Highland dance also : the music for this dance
2 : virginia reel

Other Words from reel

Verb (1)

reelable \ ˈrē-​lə-​bəl \ adjective

First Known Use of reel

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Verb (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Noun (2)

1572, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

circa 1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for reel

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English hrēol; akin to Old Norse hræll weaver's reed, Greek krekein to weave

Verb (2)

Middle English relen, probably from reel, noun

Noun (3)

probably from reel entry 4

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Dictionary Entries near reel

reeing

reek

reekingly

reel

reelect

reeled silk

reeler

Statistics for reel

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Time Traveler for reel

The first known use of reel was before the 12th century

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More Definitions for reel

reel

noun
\ ˈrēl \

Kids Definition of reel

 (Entry 1 of 4)

1 : a device that can be turned round and round to wind up something flexible a fishing rod and reel
2 : a quantity of something wound on a reel a reel of film

reel

verb
reeled; reeling

Kids Definition of reel (Entry 2 of 4)

1 : to wind on a reel
2 : to pull by the use of a reel I reeled in a fish.
reel off
: to say or recite rapidly or easily He can reel off the answers.

reel

verb
reeled; reeling

Kids Definition of reel (Entry 3 of 4)

1 : to whirl or spin around
2 : to be in a confused or dizzy state Our heads were reeling with excitement.
3 : to fall back suddenly (as after being hit)
4 : to walk or move unsteadily : stagger

reel

noun

Kids Definition of reel (Entry 4 of 4)

: a lively folk dance

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More from Merriam-Webster on reel

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with reel

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for reel

Spanish Central: Translation of reel

Nglish: Translation of reel for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of reel for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reel

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