rein
4 synonyms and 2 antonyms for rein, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A strap attached to a bridle, used to control and guide a horse.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
rein in
draw rein
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A strap attached to a bridle, used to control and guide a horse.
“She pulled gently on the reins to slow the horse.”
How to use rein
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
rein in
give free rein
hold the reins
Etymology
From Old French reyne/resne, going back to Latin retinere, "to hold back" — the same root as retain.
Full origin of rein →Frequently asked questions
What does “rein” mean?
The word “rein” means a strap attached to a bridle, used to control and guide a horse. In plain terms, the strap used to steer a horse, or, figuratively, a means of keeping something under control.
How do you pronounce “rein”?
“Rein” is pronounced rayn (/ɹeɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “rein” in a sentence?
Here is “rein” used in a sentence: “She pulled gently on the reins to slow the horse.”
What part of speech is “rein”?
Depending on how it is used, “rein” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “rein” come from?
The word “rein” comes from Latin. From Old French reyne/resne, going back to Latin retinere, "to hold back" — the same root as retain.
Is “rein” a common word?
“Rein” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “rein” have?
“Rein” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a strap attached to a bridle, used to control and guide a horse.
