reindeer

noun

rein·​deer ˈrān-ˌdir How to pronounce reindeer (audio)
: caribou
used especially for one of the Old World

Examples of reindeer in a Sentence

a large herd of reindeer
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The tumbler version offers three holiday designs (snowflake, reindeer, or tree) and retails for $22. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025 From reindeer sleigh rides to the Northern Lights, this destination delivers the perfect winter escape. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 27 Oct. 2025 The reindeer’s quirk is its ability to change eye color with the seasons, a phenomenon unique among mammals. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025 Stuffed inside this Advent calendar is a small village’s worth of kawaii plush animals—tiny Christmas owls, reindeer, a little cartoon boba tea, and more. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reindeer

Word History

Etymology

Middle English reindere, from Old Norse hreinn reindeer + Middle English deer animal, deer

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reindeer was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reindeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reindeer. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

reindeer

noun
rein·​deer ˈrān-ˌdi(ə)r How to pronounce reindeer (audio)
plural reindeer also reindeers
: caribou
used especially for one of the Old World

More from Merriam-Webster on reindeer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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