# rein

/ˈɹeɪn/ (US) · /ɹˈeɪn/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. horse control straps

noun · CEFR B2

long leather straps attached to a horse's head that you pull to guide or stop the animal.

For teachers: a long, narrow strap attached to the bit of a bridle, used by a rider or driver to control a horse or other animal.

- She pulled on the left rein to make the horse turn toward the gate.
- The rider gripped the leather reins firmly as the horse began to gallop toward the open field.

### 4. kidneys

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

an old word for the kidneys or the deep feelings inside a person.

For teachers: the kidneys, or the seat of the feelings and passions. This sense is restricted to historical or biblical contexts.

- The old text spoke of God searching the hearts and reins of men.
- In early modern medical treatises, the reins were often discussed as the source of specific bodily humours.

## Examples

- She pulled on the left rein to turn the horse toward the gate.
- The rider kept a firm grip on the rein as the horse began to gallop across the open field.
- After the sudden departure of the CEO, the board of directors struggled to decide who should take the reins of the company during the transition period.

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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.