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.
Vaccarello's departure represents the biggest personnel change at a major Kering brand since former car company boss de Meo took the reins as chief executive of the debt-laden Paris-based company in September last year.
From Barron's ● Oct. 9, 2026
Esparza, who officially takes the reins as president Thursday, could not immediately be reached for comment.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026
Agatha Christie’s crime-fighting amateur sleuth will appear in a new novel for the first time since 1976—with bestselling thriller novelist Lucy Foley taking the reins.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 22, 2026
He had already handed over the reins as chief executive to hand-picked successor Greg Abel at the end of last year.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 18, 2026
Gripping the reins, I climb onto Midnight’s back.
From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
