# reel

/ˈɹiɫ/ (US) · /ɹˈiːl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reel
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a spool for winding

noun · CEFR B2

a round object that you wind things like thread, wire, or film around.

For teachers: a cylinder or spool upon which flexible materials such as thread, film, or fishing line are wound.

- He bought a new reel of fishing line before the trip to the lake.
- The projectionist carefully threaded the final reel of the vintage film into the machine before the screening began.

### 3. a video portfolio

noun · CEFR B2

a short video showing the best work of an actor or filmmaker.

For teachers: a short compilation of sample film or video work used as a professional portfolio in the entertainment industry.

- The young actress sent her audition reel to several talent agents.
- After years of freelance editing, he finally updated his professional reel to include his recent award-winning documentary work.

### 4. to stagger

verb · CEFR B2

to walk or move unsteadily, as if you are about to fall.

For teachers: to move or walk unsteadily, as if intoxicated or physically incapacitated.

- The boxer started to reel after a heavy blow to the head.
- He reeled backward, clutching the railing to prevent himself from collapsing onto the pavement after the sudden impact.

### 6. to pull in

verb · CEFR B2

to pull something toward you by winding a handle, like a fish on a line.

For teachers: to bring something in by winding a line onto a reel; often used figuratively to mean attracting or securing something.

- It took him ten minutes to reel in the large fish he had caught.
- The marketing campaign was designed to reel in new customers by offering significant discounts on their first purchase.

Usage: Usually used with the particle 'in'.

## Examples

- He wound the fishing line back onto the reel.
- The projectionist carefully loaded the second reel of the movie into the machine before the audience arrived.
- In the era of analog cinema, a standard feature film was distributed across several heavy metal reels, requiring precise timing from the projectionist to switch between them seamlessly.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.