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.
Warm under reindeer skins, skimming across a frozen fjord pulled by a dozen eager dogs heading out for some fishing or to stay the night in a remote lodge or even an igloo. Roger Sands, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 During winter activities such as reindeer sledding, I was given a jumpsuit by the group leaders to wear on top of this coat. Gregory Robinson, Travel + Leisure, 22 Jan. 2025 Last year, Ree, Ladd, Jamar, Paige and Todd wore matching reindeer outfits. Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 27 Dec. 2024 These encounters include a 30-minute experience with the reindeer within an enclosure, which could be an ideal photo for your future Christmas card. Erica Lamberg, Fox News, 23 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 1 Feb. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!