reel

noun (1)

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\ 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 Phrases Containing reel Learn More About reel

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

Learn More About reel

Dictionary Entries Near reel

reekingly

reel

reelect

Statistics for reel

Cite this Entry

“Reel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reel. Accessed 26 May. 2022.

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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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reel

Definition of reel

Other Words from reel

Phrases Containing reel

First Known Use of reel

History and Etymology for reel

Learn More About reel

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

Dictionary Entries Near reel

Statistics for reel

Kids Definition of reel

WORD OF THE DAY

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Test Your Vocabulary