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
Thomas Adamson and Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025
The United States, under President Donald Trump, champions a hands-off approach to fuel innovation, while Europe is tightening the reins with strict regulations to ensure safety and accountability.
—Aamer Madhani, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
Evan Clark, WWD, 2 Jan. 2025
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
See all Example Sentences for rein 
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Noun
The United States, under President Trump, champions a hands-off approach aimed at fueling innovation, while Europe is tightening the reins with strict regulations to ensure safety and accountability.
—Thomas Adamson and Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025
The United States, under President Donald Trump, champions a hands-off approach to fuel innovation, while Europe is tightening the reins with strict regulations to ensure safety and accountability.
—Aamer Madhani, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
Take Elliott Hill, the Nike veteran who returned to the company in October, taking the CEO reins from John Donahoe.
—Evan Clark, WWD, 2 Jan. 2025
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
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 25 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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