reel-to-reel

adjective

ˈrēl-tə-ˈrēl How to pronounce reel-to-reel (audio)
: of, relating to, or utilizing magnetic tape that requires threading on a take-up reel
a reel-to-reel tape recorder

Examples of reel-to-reel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Armed with a Wollensak reel-to-reel tape recorder, Segal also recorded shows at other city venues. — Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026 Dark and comfortable, Donna’s hums with reel-to-reel tape or vinyl most nights, the walls hung with museum-quality pieces. — Carrie Honaker, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 June 2026 There are real canisters of 35-mm film that must be fed, expertly, into the reel-to-reel projector. — Laura L. Davis, Nashville Tennessean, 9 Nov. 2025 There was space for storing LPs or for an optional Ampex 1250 reel-to-reel tape recorder. — Allison Marsh, IEEE Spectrum, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reel-to-reel

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reel-to-reel was in 1961

Rhymes for reel-to-reel

See All Rhymes for reel-to-reel

Browse Nearby Words

reel seat
reel-to-reel
reembodiment
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reel-to-reel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reel-to-reel. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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