Synonyms

reins

American

[reynz] / reɪnz /

plural noun

the kidneys.
the region of the kidneys, or the lower part of the back.
(especially in Biblical use) the seat of the feelings or affections, formerly identified with the kidneys.

reins British

/ reɪnz /

plural noun

archaic the kidneys or loins

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

Carter will officially take over the reins effective in July.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

LeBron James is taking back the reins as the Lakers’ No. 1 playmaker and steering the team into the playoffs.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Tan took the reins in March 2025 and has moved quickly.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

“The time is right for me to hand over the reins for the next phase of Air India’s rise,” Wilson said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

His hands were still white-knuckled from hauling back on the reins.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023