reel
noun
Definitions of reel noun
holder
- 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
- 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
Definitions of reel verb
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.