SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

reel

noun (1)
Save Word
\ ˈrēl How to pronounce reel (audio) \

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 How to pronounce reel (audio) \ 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

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about reel

Time Traveler for reel

Time Traveler

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

See more words from the same century

Statistics for reel

Cite this Entry

“Reel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reel. Accessed 7 Mar. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLA Chicago APA Merriam-Webster

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for reel

reel

noun
\ ˈrēl How to pronounce reel (audio) \

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

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on reel

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for reel

Nglish: Translation of reel for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of reel for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reel

Comments on reel

What made you want to look up reel? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

meticulous

Listen to the pronunciation of meticulous

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Who Knew?

  • who knew quiz
  • What is a ruelle?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Typeshift

Anagram puzzles meet word search.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games