Illustration of rein
- R rein 1
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
reined; reining; reins
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
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
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
Ronda Racha Penrice, NBC News, 9 Nov. 2024
With the permitting phase nearly complete, Sayers has turned over the reins to new CEO John Cherry who previously ran PolyMet Mining after years at Rio Tinto.
—Christopher Helman, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
Michael Goldstein, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
Daniel sees Johnny as disrespecting Mr. Miyagi with his goofy lesson plans, like launching beer bottles at kids, and feels nervous about handing off the full-time sensei-duties reins to his old nemesis once this year is over.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 18 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for rein 
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.
Noun
When Jackson’s wife, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, revived the play for Broadway in 2022, Jackson handed the reins to John David and nestled into the role of Doaker alongside him.
—Ronda Racha Penrice, NBC News, 9 Nov. 2024
With the permitting phase nearly complete, Sayers has turned over the reins to new CEO John Cherry who previously ran PolyMet Mining after years at Rio Tinto.
—Christopher Helman, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
Verb
The company boasts a collection of exceptional horses, including former champions in various equestrian disciplines such as dressage, roping, racing, sport horse, and reining.
—Michael Goldstein, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
Daniel sees Johnny as disrespecting Mr. Miyagi with his goofy lesson plans, like launching beer bottles at kids, and feels nervous about handing off the full-time sensei-duties reins to his old nemesis once this year is over.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 18 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for rein
Dictionary Entries Near rein
Cite this Entry
“Rein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rein. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rein
1 of 2 noun1
: 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share