Reel

English Meaning

A lively dance of the Highlanders of Scotland; also, the music to the dance; -- often called Scotch reel.

1. 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.
2. A cylindrical device attached to a fishing rod to let out or wind up the line.
3. The quantity of wire, film, or other material wound on one reel.
4. 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.
5. To wind on or let out from a reel.
6. To recover by winding on a reel: reel in a large fish.
7. reel off To recite fluently and usually at length: reeled off a long list of names and dates.
8. To be thrown off balance or fall back: reeled from the sharp blow.
9. To stagger, lurch, or sway, as from drunkenness: reeled down the alley.
10. To go round and round in a whirling motion: gulls reeling and diving.
11. To feel dizzy: My head reeled with the facts and figures.
12. To cause to reel.
13. A staggering, swaying, or whirling movement.
14. A moderately fast dance of Scottish origin.
15. The Virginia reel.
16. The music for one of these dances.
17. Maine A hand-held hammer used in a quarry for shaping granite blocks. See Regional Note at reeling.