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reel

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Reel means to go around and around.

(verb)

An example of to reel is turning the handle on fishing pole to bring the fishing line back.

To reel is defined as to fall backwards with a dizzy feeling.

(verb)

An example of to reel is to respond to very upsetting news by stumbling in confusion.

The definition of a reel is a turning mechanism to wind something up.

(noun)

An example of a reel is the winder for fishing line on a pole.

A reel is defined as a spool where things are wound.

(noun)

An example of a reel is a metal holder on which a film is stored.

See reel in Webster's New World College Dictionary

intransitive verb

to give way or fall back; sway, waver, or stagger as from being struck
to lurch or stagger about, as from drunkenness or dizziness
to go around and around; whirl
to feel dizzy; have a sensation of spinning or whirling

Origin: ME relen < the n.: from the sensation of whirling

transitive verb

to cause to reel

noun

a reeling motion; whirl, stagger, etc.

Origin: ME rele < OE hreol: see reel

noun

1. a lively Scottish dance
2. Virginia reel
music for either of these

Origin: prob. < reel, n.

noun

a frame or spool on which thread, wire, tape, film, a net, etc. is wound
such a frame set on the handle of a fishing rod, to wind up or let out the line
the quantity of wire, thread, film, tape, etc. usually wound on one reel
in some lawn mowers, a set of spiral steel blades rotating on a horizontal bar set between wheels

Origin: ME < OE hreol < Gmc *hrehulaz < IE base *krek-, to strike, make a weaving motion > Gr krekein, to weave, Latvian krekls, shirt

transitive verb, intransitive verb

to wind on a reel

See reel in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A device, such as a cylinder, spool, or frame, that turns on an axis and is used for winding and storing rope, tape, film, or other flexible materials.
A cylindrical device attached to a fishing rod to let out or wind up the line.
The quantity of wire, film, or other material wound on one reel.
A set of curved lawn-mower blades that rotate around a bar parallel to the ground, cutting grass while moving against a stationary straight blade.

transitive verb reeled, reel·ing, reels

To wind on or let out from a reel.
To recover by winding on a reel: reel in a large fish.

Phrasal Verb: reel off To recite fluently and usually at length: reeled off a long list of names and dates.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old English hrēol

Related Forms:

reelˈa·ble adjective

verb reeled, reel·ing, reels

verb, intransitive

To be thrown off balance or fall back: reeled from the sharp blow.
To stagger, lurch, or sway, as from drunkenness: reeled down the alley.
To go round and round in a whirling motion: gulls reeling and diving.
To feel dizzy: My head reeled with the facts and figures.

verb, transitive

To cause to reel.

noun

A staggering, swaying, or whirling movement.
a. A moderately fast dance of Scottish origin.
b. The Virginia reel.
c. The music for one of these dances.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English relen, to whirl about

Origin: , probably from reel, spool; see reel¹

Related Forms: