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

Multiple countries, including U.S. allies, are reeling from the downturn in energy supply that once flowed freely through the chokepoint.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Silicon Valley is reeling from the seismic verdict delivered by an LA jury on Wednesday.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

His death has not been confirmed by Iran, which is still reeling from the February 28 strike that killed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

HBO’s new comedy, created by Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses, stars Steve Carell as a concerned father whose college professor daughter is reeling after a breakup.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2026

I am still thinking about Locke, still reeling from what he said and what he didn’t.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black