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
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
Reuters, NBC news, 15 Aug. 2025
The legendary investor is stepping down as Berkshire CEO at the end of the year, handing over the reins to Greg Abel.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2025
Hasan T. Alhasan, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2025
The event will see western equestrians dueling in three categories: cutting, reining, and reined cow horse.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rein
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Noun
Green and Zimmer began serving as the chair and vice chair of Lyft’s board in 2023 after stepping down as CEO and president, respectively, handing the reins to David Risher, who has been a board member since 2021.
—Reuters, NBC news, 15 Aug. 2025
The legendary investor is stepping down as Berkshire CEO at the end of the year, handing over the reins to Greg Abel.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
The Arab Gulf states must contend once again with the harsh reality that the White House is not a reliable partner in either reining Israel in or bringing a lasting end to war in the region.
—Hasan T. Alhasan, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2025
The event will see western equestrians dueling in three categories: cutting, reining, and reined cow horse.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rein
Cite this Entry
“Rein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rein. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.
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
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