noun
reel
REEL
noun
1
A cylindrical device on which thread, film, cable, or fishing line is wound.
"He cast his line and slowly wound it back in on the reel."
2
A lively traditional dance, especially from Scotland, or its music.
"The band struck up a reel and the dancers took the floor."
3
A short video, especially one posted on a social media app.
"She posted a reel of highlights from the trip."
verb
1
To stagger or lose one's balance, or to feel dizzy or shocked.
"He reeled back after hearing the news."
"Her head reeled from all the numbers being thrown at her."
2
To wind something onto a reel, or pull it in.
"She reeled in the fish after a long fight."
How to Use Reel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA spool for winding thread or line, a Scottish dance, a short social media video, or — as a verb — to stagger or wind something in.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "real" — they sound identical but "reel" is the spool/dance/video/stagger word, while "real" means genuine.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
reel in a fish
reel from shock
post a reel
Word Forms
reeled past tense, reels plural, Reels plural, reels singular
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He cast his line and slowly wound it back in on the _____.
Etymology
From Old English hreol, related to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning \"to weave or beat.\"