rein

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /reɪn/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

Singular rein

Plural reins

1. (countable) A rein is a long, narrow strap used to control a horse.
   • Synonym: bridle

   She pulled on the reins to stop the horse.

2. (countable)(usually plural) If you have the reins of government, business, a company, etc, you have control of it.

   The manager took the reins of the company after the previous director retired.

Verb

Plain form rein

Third-person singular reins

Past tense reined

Past participle reined

Present participle reining

1. (transitive) If you rein something in, you control or limit it.
   • Synonyms: control and restrain

   He tried to rein in his spending habits.

2. (transitive) If you rein in a horse, you pull on the reins to slow or stop it.

   She gently reined in the horse before reaching the gate.