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

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 )

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

Example Sentences

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg