reel off

verb

reeled off; reeling off; reels off

transitive verb

1

: to tell or recite readily and usually at length

reel off a few jokes to break the ice

2

: to chalk up usually as a series

Synonyms of reel off

• recite
• memorize

Examples of reel off in a Sentence

he's able to reel off the names of all the U.S. presidents, in historical order and without pausing

her friend proceeded to reel off the roster of losers that she had dated over the years

Recent Examples on the Web

FanGraphs now gives the Astros a 33 percent chance to reach the postseason, odds that have continued to climb as Houston has reeled off five consecutive wins. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 26 July 2026

During the rally on July 10, Wendi Walsh, secretary-treasurer of UNITE Here Local 355, reeled off the names of several concession operators and accused them of remaining silent as the administration fought in the courts. — David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 25 July 2026

That list—which my fiancé can likely reel off by heart—includes opening packages, doing certain types of workouts (boxing, for one), closing my hand into a fist, and picking up any card or coin that falls on the floor. — Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 2 July 2026

The Mustangs have reeled off 31 straight victories since their season-opening loss to Guerin, which will play Andrean for the Class 3A state title on Friday. — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for reel off

• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff
• falloff
• handoff
• kickoff
• layoff
• liftoff
• markoff
• markov
• payoff
• playoff

Kids Definition

reel off

verb

: to tell or recite rapidly and easily

reeled off the right answers