reel

noun

UK/rɪəl/
US/rɪəl/

Definitions of reel noun

holder

  1. Countable

    A round, wheel-shaped object on which materials like sewing thread, fishing line, or film can be wound, or the amount of material stored on such an object.

    • He took a new reel of fishing line from his tackle box.

    • The photographer needed a larger reel to hold all the film.

    • The tailor wound the thread onto a small wooden reel.

dance

  1. Countable

    A lively Scottish or Irish dance, or the music composed for such a dance.

    • They performed a lively traditional Scottish reel at the wedding.

    • The band struck up a lively reel.

    • The dancers spun quickly to the music of the reel.

verb

UK/rɪəl/
US/rɪəl/

Definitions of reel verb

  1. Intransitive

    To walk unsteadily, swaying from side to side, as if about to fall.

    • He was drunk and reeled out of the bar.

    • The car reeled on the icy road.

    • The boxer reeled backwards after taking the punch.

  2. Intransitive

    When your surroundings appear to spin or whirl around in front of you.

    • After the hard hit, his head swam and the room started to reel.

    • When I reached the peak of the mountain, I looked around and the earth seemed to reel beneath my feet.

    • He felt a wave of dizziness as he stood up suddenly, and the room began to reel.

  3. Intransitive

    To feel very confused or shocked and unable to think or act clearly.

    • We were all reeling from the bad news.

    • She was reeling with delight after finding out she had passed the exam.

    • He was reeling in shock after witnessing the accident and could not speak.

Phrasal Verbs of reel

  • reel something off

    to rapidly list or mention a series of items without pausing

    He reeled off his accomplishments quickly during the interview, leaving a strong impression.

  • reel someone/something in

    to secure control over a person or entity, occasionally by proposing an exchange

    In the meeting, we need to reel this client in to secure more benefits for our product.

  • reel something in/out

    to retrieve an object attached to a rope by winding it around a spool, or to unwind it in a similar manner

    He reeled the fishing line in, ready to bring in the big catch.