reel

UK: riːl | US: riːl

Definition

  1. n. a cylindrical device for winding and storing film, rope, thread, etc.

  2. vt. to wind or pull in using a reel

  3. vi. to stagger or sway unsteadily (e.g., from shock or intoxication)

Structure

No data yet.

Etymology

The word "reel" traces back to Old English hrēol, meaning a rotating device for winding thread. Its Germanic root hrēulaz likely imitated the whirring sound of spinning. The verb sense of staggering (mid-14th c.) metaphorically extended from the unsteady motion of a spinning reel. As a dance term (16th c.), it reflects the circular motion of the device.

Examples

  1. She carefully threaded the film onto the reel.

  2. The angler began to reel in the fishing line.

  3. He staggered and reeled after the punch.

  4. The dancers performed a traditional Scottish reel.

  5. The drunk man reeled down the alleyway.