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.
Happy times during the locust invasion, happy times eating reindeer! Margaret Lyons, EW.com, 17 Jan. 2025 Some included red and green lettering and others were black and red with reindeer heads printed on them. Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025 This becomes clear long before visitors get close to the venue as its entrance is flanked by a trio of animatronic reindeer singing Christmas carols which echo around the nearby hallways. Caroline Reid, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 Once they were done trying the new tradition, the ladies headed home for family dinner and Bryn — who was holiday ready with a reindeer headband — cozied up to their two dogs. Angel Saunders, People.com, 25 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 21 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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