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 10-inch covers include cheerful snowmen, reindeer, and wintery green. Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025 Reindeer moss, used as a mulch for containerized plants, is a fibrous chartreuse lichen grazed by caribou and reindeer in Arctic lands. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025 In the Gabna village, Kuhmunen oversees about 2,500 to 3,000 reindeer and 15 to 20 herders. Jason Ma, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025 Rustic Forest Sheet Set, Queen Elegant and stylish, this 200-thread count sheet set features a rustic winter scene complete with sketches of snowy pines and grazing reindeer. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 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 10 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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