Meaning & use

reel

noun·Everyday

A cylindrical device used for winding thread, wire, film, or fishing line.

See it in a sentence

He wound the fishing line carefully back onto the reel after the catch.

The old film was stored on a large metal reel in the archive.

A note on using this word

Reel can also mean a lively folk dance or, as a verb, to stagger or feel dizzy from shock or surprise.

Words with a similar meaning

spool

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. verb

To stagger or lose one's balance, especially from shock, dizziness, or a blow.

She reeled backward in shock when she heard the unexpected news.

3. noun

A lively folk dance, especially one of Scottish or Irish origin, performed by couples.

The band struck up a fast reel, and dancers quickly filled the floor.

Make it your own

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