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

See Examples For:

reeling

And this isn’t the first time: Amid the July rout that sent global semiconductor stocks reeling, SK Hynix CEO Chey Tae-won made a personal acquisition of KRW 4.8 billion in stock.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 19, 2026

Around this time last year, the Chargers were reeling along the offensive line, having lost left tackle Rashawn Slater to a season-ending knee injury.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026

His lectures have taken him "to America, five times, to Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium," he said, reeling off the list with a touch of showmanship.

From Barron's ● Aug. 10, 2026

Paul McCartney and John Lennon, too, rose fully to the occasion, reeling off such masterworks as “Eleanor Rigby” and “Tomorrow Never Knows,” not to mention a bravura single’s release featuring “Paperback Writer” and “Rain.”

From Salon ● Aug. 5, 2026

I pictured Diego’s lit-up face whenever he’d be reeling in a fish at the levee.

From "We Were Here" by Matt De La Peña