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reel-to-reel

American  
[reel-tuh-reel] / ˈril təˈril /

adjective

  1. of or relating to an audio sound-equipment system or motion-picture camera or projector through which the tape or film must be threaded onto a take-up reel.


reel-to-reel British  

adjective

  1. (of magnetic tape) wound from one reel to another in use

  2. (of a tape recorder) using magnetic tape wound from one reel to another, as opposed to cassettes

"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 reel-to-reel

First recorded in 1960–65

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.

Not long afterwards she was looking through an old briefcase when she came across an ageing, brown reel-to-reel tape-recording of her lullaby.

From BBC • Jan. 18, 2025

For 45 years, Peter Gordon has held onto a reel-to-reel tape of a show he performed in 1979 at the Mudd Club in New York City with a trio called the Blue Horn File.

From New York Times • Apr. 23, 2024

But UT maintained its own archive on 12,000 reel-to-reel tapes.

From Science Magazine • Mar. 20, 2024

You’re dealing with Sony U-matic reel-to-reel recorders and big heavy cameras and a scarcity of equipment and very little interest.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 21, 2024

My father loves jazz and has an extensive collection of records and reel-to-reel tapes he used to enjoy after returning home from work.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris