reindeer

noun

rein·​deer ˈrān-ˌdir How to pronounce reindeer (audio)
: caribou
used especially for one of the Old World

Examples of reindeer in a Sentence

a large herd of reindeer
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Milk and cookies, plus maybe a few carrots for the reindeer, might be what Santa is expecting on Christmas Eve, but why not leave out something a little more special and unique to the South? Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 24 Dec. 2024 Also includes a mechanical Santa and reindeer sleigh. Jordan Kellogg, The Enquirer, 21 Dec. 2024 The Windsor Court, New Orleans Surrounded by white reindeer and polar bears, the New Orleans hideaway’s classic tree stretches two stories with the sparkling chandelier as its star. Jennifer Kester, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 Picture this: slipping into soft, festive PJs adorned with snowy scenes, reindeer, or candy canes and immediately feeling wrapped in the warmth of the season. Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reindeer 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English reindere, from Old Norse hreinn reindeer + Middle English deer animal, deer

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reindeer was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near reindeer

Cite this Entry

“Reindeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reindeer. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

reindeer

noun
rein·​deer ˈrān-ˌdi(ə)r How to pronounce reindeer (audio)
plural reindeer also reindeers
: caribou
used especially for one of the Old World

More from Merriam-Webster on reindeer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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