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
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
Now that Barbara [Broccoli] and Michael [G. Wilson, former franchise producers] have relinquished the reins of it.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 2 June 2025
Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 21 May 2025
Saxton reins unchecked, and the investigation surrounding him has reached a standstill.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rein
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Noun
Self-defense group attacks agents The tragedy in the Artibonite region, considered the country’s breadbasket, is yet another example of Haiti’s descent into chaos and the degree to which impunity and barbarity rein as armed gangs tighten their grip.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
Now that Barbara [Broccoli] and Michael [G. Wilson, former franchise producers] have relinquished the reins of it.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 2 June 2025
Verb
That would allow the justices to dig deep on the technical questions of whether lower court judges really have that much power and how best to rein them in.
—Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 21 May 2025
Saxton reins unchecked, and the investigation surrounding him has reached a standstill.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rein
Cite this Entry
“Rein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rein. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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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