noun
Uncommon
rein
rayn
Rein (noun) means a strap attached to a bridle, used to control and guide a horse. Example: “She pulled gently on the reins to slow the horse.”
noun
1
A strap attached to a bridle, used to control and guide a horse.
"She pulled gently on the reins to slow the horse."
"He gathered the reins and swung into the saddle."
verb
1
To restrain or keep something under control (often "rein in").
"The manager had to rein in spending before the budget ran out."
"He learned to rein in his temper during meetings."
How to use rein
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe strap used to steer a horse, or, figuratively, a means of keeping something under control.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "reign" (a monarch's rule) or "rain" — all three sound identical but mean completely different things.
Common pairings
rein in
give free rein
hold the reins
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like rein.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- reins
- Third person singular
- reins
- Past tense
- reined
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She pulled gently on the _____ to slow the horse.
Etymology
From Old French reyne/resne, going back to Latin retinere, "to hold back" — the same root as retain.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for rein
See all rhymes for 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.
