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 scene is a playground for polar bears, seals, whales, Arctic foxes, reindeer, birds, and more. —Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 27 Jan. 2026

Visitors can take part in cultural experiences with the indigenous Sámi people, including dogsledding and cooking reindeer stew in lavvu tents. —The Week Uk, TheWeek, 22 Jan. 2026

Carved from whale bones, reindeer antlers and walrus tusks, these fierce talismans are vengeful spirits traditionally created by shamans to destroy enemies. —R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

For our two days at sea (one each way cruising to and from Canada), Viking brought the culture onboard with Arctic staples of reindeer burgers, muskox loin, and Greenlandic brews. —Jillian Dara, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Jan. 2026

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