Reel
/ril/
nounverbB1
Definition
As a noun, a reel is a round object that holds something long and thin, like thread, wire, or film, by winding it around. As a verb, to reel means to pull something in by turning this object or to spin and feel unsteady, like when you feel dizzy or shocked.
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See It in Action
Noun: A round object for winding thread, film, or wire
- •She put the fishing line back on the reel carefully.
- •The old movie was stored on a large reel of film.
- •The electrician carried a reel of wire for the job.
Verb: To pull in by winding around a reel or to spin/dizzy feeling
- •He reeled in the fish after a long fight.
- •After hearing the news, she reeled, feeling shocked and unsteady.
- •The boat reeled from the strong waves during the storm.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "reel" like "roll," but instead of just rolling, it winds something around a circle (noun) or pulls something toward you (verb).
- ✓Picture a fishing rod with a round wheel that you turn to pull the fishing line back in.
- ✓It's the feeling when you spin too fast and almost fall down, or when bad news makes your head spin.
- ✓Sounds like "real" → imagine something so real it makes your head spin or pulls you in tightly.
- ✓In movies, old films were stored on reels—big round wheels holding the film.
- ✓NOT like "roll" (which moves forward or backward), "reel" winds or pulls in a line or thread around a fixed circle.
- ✓NOT like "spin" (which is just turning), "reel" can mean feeling dizzy or pulling something in physically.
- ✓NOT like "stagger" (walking unsteady), "reel" is often the feeling inside your head or the action of winding.
Try Other Words
- •Wind: to turn something around in a circle (Use when focusing on the action of turning thread or wire around something)
- •Spin: to turn quickly (Use when describing fast turning or dizziness without pulling something in)
- •Stagger: to walk unsteadily (Use when focusing on physical unsteady movement, not internal dizziness)
- •Pull in: to bring something closer by pulling (Use when emphasizing the action of pulling something toward you)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: root word "reel" with no prefix or suffix
- •Etymology: From Old English "rēol," meaning a wheel or spool for winding
- •Historical development: Originally meant the physical object (wheel/spool), later used as a verb for the action of winding or pulling
- •Modern usage: Used in fishing, film, sewing, and to describe dizziness or shock feeling; common in everyday and technical language
Reflect & Connect
•When have you felt like you were "reeling" from surprise or shock? How did your body feel?
•How does the physical action of reeling in a fishing line help you understand the feeling of "reeling" emotionally or mentally?
Fill in the blanks
1.He used the reel to ___ the fishing line slowly back toward the boat.
2.After the accident, she was ___ and could barely stand still.
3.The movie was stored on a large ___ of film that needed careful handling.
4.When the boat hit the big wave, it ___ from side to side in the water.
5.The electrician carried a ___ of wire to use in the new building.
6.She ___ off the bad news but still felt upset inside.
7.To fix the sewing machine, you need to wind the thread onto the ___ carefully.