reel meaning and definition

REEL noun

Definition of reel (noun)

1. a roll of photographic film holding a series of frames to be projected by a movie projector
2. music composed for dancing a reel
3. winder consisting of a revolving spool with a handle; attached to a fishing rod
4. a winder around which thread or tape or film or other flexible materials can be wound
   • synonyms: bobbin, spool
5. a lively dance of Scottish Highlanders; marked by circular moves and gliding steps
   • synonyms: Scottish reel
6. an American country dance which starts with the couples facing each other in two lines
   • synonyms: Virginia reel

REEL verb

Definition of reel (verb)

1. walk as if unable to control one's movements
   • "The drunken man staggered into the room"
   • synonyms: careen, keel, lurch, stagger, swag
2. revolve quickly and repeatedly around one's own axis
   • "The dervishes whirl around and around without getting dizzy"
   • synonyms: gyrate, spin, spin around, whirl
3. wind onto or off a reel