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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.
On the outskirts of Bowling Green, The Reindeer Farm has become a holiday destination to meet reindeer in person. Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Dec. 2025 Throughout the commercial, Travolta busts out his famous dance moves alongside some of Santa's elves and a reindeer wearing sunglasses. Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025 Springy reindeer ears and impromptu picnics dominated the grass-and-concrete grounds. John Wenzel, Denver Post, 28 Nov. 2025 Structures can take the shape of anything from reindeer and frogs to crawfish and fleur-de-lis. Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 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 8 Dec. 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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