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.
Its once-a-cruise Alaska brunch features fresh regional ingredients, such as native berries, reindeer sausage, and local mushrooms. Erica Silverstein, AFAR Media, 22 July 2025 The symbol now encloses an image of a communion wafer carved of reindeer antler. Thomas A. Dubois, The Conversation, 27 June 2025 There’s a twelve-foot-tall snowman Elvis in lights, a waving Santa, candy canes and reindeer galore. Literary Hub, 12 June 2025 Best Things to Do Feed Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 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 20 Aug. 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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