reel
/ˈɹiːl/ verb C2- To wind on a reel.
- To spin or revolve repeatedly.
- To unwind; to bring or acquire something by spinning or winding something else. · He reeled off some tape from the roll and sealed the package.
- To walk shakily or unsteadily; to stagger; move as if drunk or not in control of oneself.
- To back off, step away, or sway backwards unsteadily and suddenly. · He reeled back from the punch.
- To make or cause to reel.
- To have a whirling sensation; to be giddy.
- To be in shock.
He/she/it reels · Past reeled · Past participle reeled · -ing form reeling
Verb forms
- Base form
- reel
- He/she/it
- reels
- Past
- reeled
- Past participle
- reeled
- -ing form
- reeling
Phrasal verbs and expressions
From the library
“Reeling and Writhing, of course, to begin with,” the Mock Turtle replied; “and then the different branches of Arithmetic—Ambition, Distraction, Uglification, and Derision.”
The ticker began to reel out jerkily its fitful coils of tape, the desk telephone had a chronic attack of buzzing.
“Do you not feel a great inclination, Miss Bennet, to seize such an opportunity of dancing a reel?”
I have, therefore, made up my mind to tell you that I do not want to dance a reel at all; and now despise me if you dare.”
Other matches
Learn reel in real texts
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