Reel Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary

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The Britannica Dictionary reel 5 ENTRIES FOUND:

• reel (noun)
• reel (verb)
• reel (verb)
• reel (noun)
• Virginia reel (noun)

1 reel /ˈriːl/ noun plural reels 1 reel /ˈriːl/ noun plural reels Britannica Dictionary definition of REEL [count] 1 a : a device shaped like a cylinder that a string, cord, etc., is wrapped around

• a garden hose reel
• (Brit) a cotton reel [=(US) a spool of thread]

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples b : a device that is attached to the handle of a fishing pole and used to wrap and release the line

• He bought a new rod and (fishing) reel.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples — see picture at fishing c : an object that is used to hold and release film or tape

• a reel of film

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2 : a part of a movie that is on a reel of film

• There's an exciting chase scene in the movie's second reel.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples — compare 4reel 2 reel /ˈriːl/ verb reels; reeled; reeling 2 reel /ˈriːl/ verb reels; reeled; reeling Britannica Dictionary definition of REEL

reel in

[phrasal verb] reel (something) in or reel in (something) : to pull in (a fish that is caught on a hook on the end of a fishing line) by turning the reel of a fishing rod

reel off

[phrasal verb] reel (something) off or reel off (something) : to say (something) easily and quickly

• She reeled off the right answers without hesitation.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples — compare 3reel 3 reel /ˈriːl/ verb reels; reeled; reeling 3 reel /ˈriːl/ verb reels; reeled; reeling Britannica Dictionary definition of REEL [no object] 1 : to be very shocked, confused, and upset

• Still reeling from the death of her husband, she was now dealing with having to find a new job.
• I couldn't believe what I was hearing. My head reeled.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2 : to move or fall back suddenly

• He suddenly reeled back against the wall.
• The surprise attack sent the enemy reeling.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 3 : to move or walk in a way that is very unsteady

• He was reeling drunkenly down the street.
• They reeled around the room, laughing hysterically.
• When she opened her eyes, the room was reeling. [=the room looked like it was moving in an unsteady way]

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples — compare 2reel 4 reel /ˈriːl/ noun plural reels 4 reel /ˈriːl/ noun plural reels Britannica Dictionary definition of REEL [count] : a lively dance originally from Scotland and Ireland also : the music for this dance — see also virginia reel — compare 1reel ASK THE EDITOR

What are the plural forms of check-in, passerby, and spoonful? See the answer »

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