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

The cinematic denoument revived some measure of hope in a reeling nation, where the official casualty count announced Saturday climbed to 2,954 dead and 16,592 injured, with thousands remaining missing.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 5, 2026

The parent said she and her family have been reeling from a Georgia High School Association sports regulation much like the laws the Supreme Court upheld.

From Salon • Jul. 5, 2026

But, despite the disruption, the hosts opened with a blizzard of attacking brilliance that left Steve Borthwick's side reeling.

From BBC • Jul. 4, 2026

Investors are still reeling from the previous session’s brutal selloff, which saw the stock sink 16%, wiping out $401 billion in total market value.

From Barron's • Jun. 23, 2026

Her immediate, reeling perception was of a radical, Picasso-like perspective in which tears, rimmed and bloated eyes, wet lips and raw, unblown nose blended in a crimson moistness of grief.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan