Illustration of rein
- R rein 1
1
: a strap fastened to a bit by which a rider or driver controls an animal
—usually used in plural
2
a
: a restraining influence : check
kept a tight rein on the proceedings
b
: controlling or guiding power
—usually used in plural
the reins of government
3
: opportunity for unhampered activity or use
gave full rein to her imagination
reined; reining; reins
1
: to control or direct with or as if with reins
2
: to check or stop by or as if by a pull at the reins
reined in her horse
couldn't rein his impatience
1
: to stop or slow up one's horse or oneself by or as if by pulling the reins
2
archaic
: to submit to the use of reins
Examples of rein in a Sentence
Noun
He has people working for him, but he has a tight rein on every part of the process.
after the president resigned, the vice president stepped in and took the reins of the company
Verb
try to rein in your spending, so you have some money left for saving
Recent Examples on the Web
Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026
The plot follows a visionary billionaire (Kapoor) who grooms a rising tycoon (Vijay Varma) to take over the reins of India’s largest conglomerate as his successor, only to unceremoniously fire his protege a few months into the job.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2026
Lautaro Grinspan, AJC.com, 9 Feb. 2026
In other words, do exactly the opposite of what’s needed to rein the Fed in.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rein
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Noun
It was all carefully managed by Disney after its messy changeover in 2020, when Bob Iger handed the reins to Bob Chapek only to reclaim his job two years later.
—Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026
The plot follows a visionary billionaire (Kapoor) who grooms a rising tycoon (Vijay Varma) to take over the reins of India’s largest conglomerate as his successor, only to unceremoniously fire his protege a few months into the job.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
Some local and state lawmakers are even attempting to rein the agency in.
—Lautaro Grinspan, AJC.com, 9 Feb. 2026
In other words, do exactly the opposite of what’s needed to rein the Fed in.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rein
Cite this Entry
“Rein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rein. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rein
1 of 2 noun1
: a line or strap fastened to a bit on each side for controlling an animal (as a horse)
—usually used in plural
2
a
: an influence that slows, limits, or holds back
kept the child under a tight rein
b
: controlling or guiding power
—usually used in plural
seized the reins of government
3
: complete freedom : scope
gave full rein to her imagination
rein
2 of 2 verb
: to check, control, or stop by or as if by reins
reined in the horse
couldn't rein his impatience
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