First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1reel
noun \ˈrēl\
Definition of REEL
1
: a revolvable device on which something flexible is wound: as a : a small windlass at the butt of a fishing rod for the line b chiefly British : a spool or bobbin for sewing thread c : a flanged spool for photographic film; especially : one for motion pictures
2
: a quantity of something wound on a reel
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Origin of REEL
Middle English, from Old English hrēol; akin to Old Norse hræll weaver's reed, Greek krekein to weave
2reel
verb
Definition of REEL
transitive verb
1
: to wind on or as if on a reel
2
: to draw by reeling a line <reel a fish in>
intransitive verb
: to turn a reel
— reel·able \ˈrē-lə-bəl\ adjective
First Known Use of REEL
14th century
3reel
verb
Definition of REEL
intransitive verb
1
a : to turn or move round and round b : to be in a whirl
2
: to behave in a violent disorderly manner
3
: to waver or fall back (as from a blow)
4
: to walk or move unsteadily
transitive verb
: to cause to reel
Origin of REEL
Middle English relen, probably from reel, noun
First Known Use: 14th century
4reel
noun
5reel
noun
Definition of REEL
1
: a lively Scottish-Highland dance; also : the music for this dance
2
Origin of REEL
probably from 4reel
First Known Use: circa 1585
REEL Defined for Kids
1reel
noun \ˈrēl\
Definition of REEL for Kids
1
: a device that can be turned round and round to wind up something flexible <a fishing rod and reel>
2
: a quantity of something wound on a reel <a reel of film>
2reel
verb
reeledreel·ing
Definition of REEL for Kids
1
: to wind on a reel
2
: to pull by the use of a reel <I reeled in a fish.>
— reel off
: to say or recite rapidly or easily <He can reel off the answers.>
3reel
verb
reeledreel·ing
Definition of REEL for Kids
1
: to whirl or spin around
2
: to be in a confused or dizzy state <Our heads were reeling with excitement.>
3
: to fall back suddenly (as after being hit)
4
: to walk or move unsteadily : stagger
4reel
noun
Definition of REEL for Kids
: a lively folk dance
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