reeling

American  

[ree-ling] / ˈri lɪŋ /

adjective

1. staggering or swaying; unable to walk straight because of a blow, intoxication, etc..

   It seemed as if a reeling, drunken giant had set the route for the race—it was so full of twists and turns.

2. in a state of mental or emotional shock; overwhelmed.

   As a reeling nation mourns its dead, investigators are trying to determine whether anyone was aware of the homicidal plan.

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Etymology

Origin of reeling

reel ² ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Reeling from a depressed economy, then an explosive greening problem, then hurricanes, they were soon going to the statehouse, desperate for bailout money.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

Reeling off streaks of six and eight consecutive pars in a round that contained no bogeys, there were times when Scheffler's blend of patience, control and execution made the majestic appear simply routine.

From BBC • Jul. 19, 2025

Reeling from an unrequited relationship with a bartender-actor and tired of being a broke substitute teacher-actor, I decided to take a full-time teaching job in Pacoima.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2024

Reeling from heartache, Monaco seems to search for meaning and solace in the far graver misfortunes of a friend referred to as “R,” a political prisoner turned asylum seeker and the show’s most revisited subject.

From New York Times • Apr. 4, 2024

Reeling in my nerves, I pressed on, inhaling the first page.

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas