reins
Americanplural noun
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the kidneys.
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the region of the kidneys, or the lower part of the back.
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(especially in Biblical use) the seat of the feelings or affections, formerly identified with the kidneys.
plural noun
Etymology
Origin of reins
before 1000; Middle English reines, reenes < Old French reins; compare Old English (once) rēnys; both < Latin rēnēs kidneys, loins (plural); cf. renal
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Appeared in the February 14, 2026, print edition as 'Beijing Reins In Boom in AI Stocks'.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026
“I would say they are starting to be expected as standard,” says Yasmin Wilkes, the owner of Loose Reins in Dorset, where hot tubs were added in 2022 and 2023.
From BBC • Jun. 3, 2024
Reins in one hand, the driver of the rig stood with a top hat held over his heart.
From Seattle Times • Jul. 30, 2020
It was while in Center City for jury duty that former Air Force Reservist Andrew Bogert, 53, of Roxborough, discovered Shamrock Reins.
From Washington Times • Dec. 28, 2019
Reins lax, Father mutters, “Got to get land. Got to get land.”
From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
