reindeer

[reyn-deer]

noun

plural

reindeer ,

plural

reindeers .

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

Rumors swirled that screeners didn’t show up because it was the start of reindeer hunting season.

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The extreme heat is also affecting Lapland's famed reindeer.

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It meant none of the snow activities part of the package - a husky ride, reindeer encounter and snowmobile trip - could go ahead.

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The permafrost melted, exposing in the process the frozen carcasses of reindeer who had died an estimated 150 years before thanks to an epidemic of anthrax.

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And at Christmas, the team dressed in Santa hats and reindeer antlers - sending a festive message for a Christmas that they had originally planned to spend at home.

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