rein

1 of 2

noun

ˈrān 

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

Illustration of rein

• R rein 1

rein

2 of 2

verb

reined; reining; reins

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

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

Noun

• chair
• driver's seat
• head
• headship
• helm

Verb

• bridle
• check
• constrain
• contain
• control
• curb
• govern
• hold
• inhibit
• keep
• measure
• pull in
• regulate
• restrain
• rule
• tame

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

Noun

There’s been increasing interest in Bettman’s future as his tenure stretched into a fourth decade with the league, as well as much speculation on a succession plan that could even see the reins passed off to deputy commissioner Bill Daly. —Michael Russo, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025

My Morning Jacket hand the reins to veteran rock producer Brendan O’Brien (Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen) on is, their 10th studio album due March 21 from ATO Records. —Spin Staff, SPIN, 15 Jan. 2025

Verb

In that vein, Susan Stokes, a University of Chicago political scientist who is writing a book on democratic erosion, is looking out for attacks on institutions that could potentially criticize Trump or rein him in. —Nathaniel Rakich, ABC News, 21 Jan. 2025

That’s why efforts to rein it in should focus on narrowly limiting the president’s power by simply providing more transparency and oversight and the possibility of undoing a corrupt pardon. —Abdallah Fayyad, Vox, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English reine, from Anglo-French resne, reine, from Vulgar Latin *retina, from Latin retinēre to restrain — more at retain

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing rein

• bearing rein
• free rein
• keep a rein on
• neck-rein
• rein in

Kids Definition

rein

1 of 2 noun

ˈrān 

1

: 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