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
Synonyms
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
Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2025
Now evidence of trip is found One of the artifacts was a terret ring, which would have been used on Celtic chariots to help guide the horse reins, the organization said.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
At the beginning, Anne attempts to rein him in with stern parental authority.
—Victoria Uren, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rein 
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Noun
Stir in the Padres’ unsettling version of Family Feud, where the courts will decide whether beloved owner Peter Seidler’s widow, Sheel, or brothers Matt and Robert Seidler hold the long-term reins and the anxiety spikes.
—Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2025
Now evidence of trip is found One of the artifacts was a terret ring, which would have been used on Celtic chariots to help guide the horse reins, the organization said.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025
Verb
And unlike his first term, where guardrails existed (however weak), his second term is unfolding in an environment where no one is willing or able to rein him in.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
At the beginning, Anne attempts to rein him in with stern parental authority.
—Victoria Uren, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rein
Dictionary Entries Near rein
Cite this Entry
“Rein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rein. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
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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