What does reel mean?
Reel has several connected but distinct meanings. As a noun, it primarily denotes a spool or frame used for winding film, thread, fishing line, or similar materials; a reel of film and a fishing reel are its most familiar applications. The word can also refer to a length or unit of film itself. As a verb, reel means to draw in or wind up something, especially line or film, but it also describes a person staggering from a blow, shock, or strong emotion. Expressions such as 'reel with laughter' use this figurative sense to suggest an intense, uncontrolled reaction. The verb can further mean recounting or remembering a sequence of events. Although its meanings range from technical to highly expressive, all revolve around the ideas of turning, drawing in, or being physically or emotionally thrown off balance. Reel is therefore a useful example of how a single word can preserve both a concrete mechanism and vivid figurative imagery.
A cylindrical spool or frame on which film, thread, line, or another material is wound; also, a fishing device or a unit of film.
"The projector's reel began to run out near the end of the film."
The technical senses are standard in British and American English. 'Reel' can refer both to the spool holding the material and, in film contexts, to the length of film itself.
To wind or pull in something using a reel, especially line, film, or thread; to stagger or lose balance; or to feel such shock or emotion that one seems overcome.
"He reeled with surprise when he saw the unexpected result."
The figurative sense is commonly used with 'from', 'with', or an emotion: 'reel from shock', 'reel with laughter', and 'reel with pain'.
The plural reels is standard when referring to multiple spools, lengths of film, or fishing devices.
"The archive stores hundreds of reels of historic film."
The word reel began with the image of a little wheel: its Latin ancestor meant a small rotating object, a fitting origin for both a spinning reel and a film that rolls past us.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reel come from?
The noun reel is recorded in Middle English and entered English through Old French reel, from Late Latin rotella, a diminutive of rota meaning 'wheel.' The word is related to other forms built on the same Latin root, including roll, rotate, rotation, and rotary. The English verb developed around the noun's established ideas of winding and drawing something in, then extended metaphorically to describe staggering, shock, and being overwhelmed.
Related word forms
How reel is actually used
Reel is used in both formal and informal contexts. As a verb meaning to stagger or become emotionally overwhelmed, it is vivid and often suggests a loss of physical or emotional balance; 'reel with laughter' is an established expression. In fishing and film terminology, it is a straightforward technical noun.
Easily confused with reel
A reel is a spool or something wound onto it, whereas a roll is usually a cylindrical bundle or an object turned over and over.