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1

reel

noun \ ˈrēl \
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Definition of reel

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

Origin and Etymology of reel

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

Other Hunting and Fishing Terms

chum, covert, creel, flense, pitfall, seine, skulk, spoor, trawl

2

reel

verb

Definition of reel

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
—

reelable

play \ˈrē-lə-bəl\ adjective

First Known Use of reel

14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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Other Hunting and Fishing Terms

chum, covert, creel, flense, pitfall, seine, skulk, spoor, trawl

3

reel

verb

Definition of reel

intransitive verb
1 a : 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

Origin and Etymology of reel

Middle English relen, probably from reel, noun

4

reel

noun

Definition of reel

: a reeling motion

First Known Use of reel

1572

in the meaning defined above

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5

reel

noun

Definition of reel

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

Origin and Etymology of reel

probably from 4reel

Phrases Related to REEL

Related Phrases

REEL Defined for Kids

1

reel

noun \ ˈrēl \

Definition of reel for Students

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
2

reel

verb

Definition of reel for Students

reeled; reeling
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.
3

reel

verb

Definition of reel for Students

reeled; reeling
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
4

reel

noun

Definition of reel for Students

: a lively folk dance

Learn More about reel

  1. See 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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