reindeer

noun

rein·​deer ˈrān-ˌdir 

: 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

The drive itself is part of the appeal with grazing reindeer sharing the winding roads with the handful of vehicles. —David Nikel, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025

Photograph: Ying Tang/Getty Images While children are told stories about elves and reindeer, the truth is that hundreds of thousands of people work year-round to make sure Christmas feels magical. —Zeyi Yang, Wired News, 28 Apr. 2025

On Christmas Day in 2022, the Prince and Princess of Wales surprised followers by sharing a detailed painting of a reindeer by Prince George. —Janine Henni, People.com, 20 Feb. 2025

Their cultural traditions and deep connection with nature are palpable throughout the region, from traditional reindeer herding practices to Márkanbáiki Sámi open-air museums to their leadership in ethical and sustainable tourism initiatives. —Carinne Geil Botta, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2025

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

Phrases Containing reindeer

• reindeer moss

Rhymes for reindeer

• headgear
• midyear
• nazir
• tuyere
• acyclovir
• asthenosphere
• ganciclovir
• magnetosphere
• atmosphere
• biosphere
• centromere
• chemosphere

Kids Definition

reindeer

noun

rein·​deer ˈrān-ˌdi(ə)r 

plural reindeer also reindeers

: caribou

—used especially for one of the Old World