English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word reel in English

What does reel mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

reel

US /riːl/
UK /rɪəl/
"reel" picture

Noun

1.

a cylinder on which film, wire, thread, or other flexible materials can be wound

Example:
•
The fishing line was wound tightly on the reel.
•
She loaded a new reel of film into the camera.
Synonym:
spool bobbin winder cylinder
2.

a lively Scottish or Irish folk dance

Example:
•
The band played a lively reel, and everyone started dancing.
•
They learned to perform a traditional Irish reel.

Verb

1.

to lose one's balance and stagger or sway violently

Example:
•
He took a punch to the head and began to reel.
•
The boat began to reel in the stormy seas.
Synonym:
stagger totter sway lurch wobble
2.

to wind a line onto a reel by turning the reel

Example:
•
He began to reel in the fish he had caught.
•
The sailor quickly reeled in the anchor chain.
Synonym:
wind in pull in draw in haul in
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Related Word:
reel in Virginia reel reel off