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
Jakob Rodgers,
Mercury News,
6 July 2026
Now able to give the reins to the 27-year-old Doncic with James’ departure, the Lakers prioritized a center to complement the superstar guard.
—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
1 July 2026
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 June 2026
Smith's response was regarding a question about the expectation of LIV Golf having to rein things in financially with the Saudis officially pulling funding at the conclusion of the 2026 season.
—
Mark Harris Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rein
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Noun
Patel’s successful completion of the program comes as California tightens the reins on its mental health diversion laws.
—
Jakob Rodgers,
Mercury News,
6 July 2026
Now able to give the reins to the 27-year-old Doncic with James’ departure, the Lakers prioritized a center to complement the superstar guard.
—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
1 July 2026
Verb
May will take over the Mavs as the team prepares for the second season with young superstar Coper Flagg, the reining NBA Rookie of the Year.
—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 June 2026
Smith's response was regarding a question about the expectation of LIV Golf having to rein things in financially with the Saudis officially pulling funding at the conclusion of the 2026 season.
—
Mark Harris Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rein
Cite this Entry
“Rein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rein. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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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