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reindeer

[ reyn-deer ]

noun

, plural rein·deer, (occasionally) rein·deers.
  1. any of several large deer of the genus Rangifer, of northern and Arctic regions of Europe, Asia, and North America, both male and female of which have antlers.


reindeer

/ ˈreɪnˌdɪə /

noun

  1. a large deer, Rangifer tarandus , having large branched antlers in the male and female and inhabiting the arctic regions of Greenland, Europe, and Asia. It also occurs in North America, where it is known as a caribou


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Word History and Origins

Origin of reindeer1

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English raynder(e), from Old Norse hreindȳri, equivalent to hreinn “reindeer” + dȳr “animal” (cognate with deer )

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Word History and Origins

Origin of reindeer1

C14: from Old Norse hreindӯri , from hreinn reindeer + dyr animal; related to Dutch rendier , German Rentier ; see deer

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Compare Meanings

How does reindeer compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Example Sentences

After you drop off your bike, celebrate your round-trip next door with a reindeer dog at the International House of Hot Dogs food truck.

He did not come with his sleigh, nor with his reindeer and his classic wardrobe, but he brought the most important thing.

Not because they oppose green infrastructure, but because wind farms disrupt reindeer herding, a crucial aspect of Sámi culture.

From Ozy

His sleigh is powered not by reindeers, but three steely horses.

From Time

Production values seem quite good, too, with snowy scenes involving real reindeer, lush Christmas trees sparkling with ornaments, and a realistic Santa with an abundantly full beard.

Not only has he not “done Santa in four years,” but he has sold his reindeer as well.

Yes, the future lawmaker built up a full-service Santa business with a sleigh pulled by real reindeer.

We sing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Jingle Bells”.

Presumably with caroling, though presumably not with “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.”

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Lost in Translation are Twee.

The reindeer swam through the deep water and waded out to the opposite bank.

Soon the ford was filled, and the reindeer began to press up the narrow river valley.

The flat sandy banks on one side of the river were already covered with reindeer.

There they waited to spear the reindeer, while others hid behind rocks near the entrance to drive the reindeer on.

When Scarface was very old he made a shaft-straightener of a piece of reindeer horn.

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reincarnationReindeer Lake