English Reference
adjective · noun

reeling

adj. · n.
US /ˈɹiɫɪŋ/ UK /ɹˈiːlɪŋ/ reel·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.feeling very shocked or upset because of a sudden event, making it hard to think clearly.

    adj.experiencing profound cognitive or emotional disorientation following a sudden shock or revelation.

    Simple

    The company was still reeling from the news that their CEO had resigned suddenly.

    In context

    The community was left reeling after the unexpected closure of the factory, which had been the town's primary employer for decades.

    composedunfazed
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Literary

    adj.moving or feeling as if you are about to fall over, often because of a physical blow or dizziness.

    adj.suffering from physical instability or vertigo; moving unsteadily as if losing one's balance.

    Simple

    He sent the boxer reeling across the ring with a powerful left hook.

    In context

    The hiker felt his head reeling from the altitude, forcing him to sit down until the world stopped spinning.

    staggeringtotteringdizzy
  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical

    n.the action of winding something onto a reel, like a fishing line or film.

    n.the process or motion of winding a flexible material onto a rotatable cylinder or hub.

    Simple

    The slow reeling of the fishing line required a lot of patience.

    In context

    The automated reeling mechanism ensured that the high-tension cables were wound with uniform pressure to prevent structural fatigue.

    windingspooling
    unwinding

Colombia’s new president has called on United States President Donald Trump to suspend tariffs targeting the South American country, which is reeling from a deadly earthquake that has killed hundreds.

Al Jazeera· 15 Aug 2026

It was felt in neighbouring Venezuela, still reeling from a deadly double earthquake on 24 June.

The Guardian· 11 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated