reindeer

American  

[reyn-deer] / ˈreɪnˌdɪər /

noun

• reindeer,
  plural
• reindeers
  plural

1. any of several large deer of the genus Rangifer, of northern and Arctic regions of Europe, Asia, and North America, both male and female of which have antlers.

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reindeer British  

/ ˈreɪnˌdɪə /

noun

1. a large deer, Rangifer tarandus , having large branched antlers in the male and female and inhabiting the arctic regions of Greenland, Europe, and Asia. It also occurs in North America, where it is known as a caribou

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• reindeer
  plural
• reindeers
  plural

Etymology

Origin of reindeer

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English raynder(e), from Old Norse hreindȳri, equivalent to hreinn “reindeer” + dȳr “animal” (cognate with deer )

Compare meaning

How does reindeer compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• reindeer vs. deer
• caribou vs. reindeer

Explanation

A reindeer is a large, hoofed mammal with antlers. Contrary to popular Christmas folklore, reindeer can't really fly. Shhhhh. The mythological reindeer that pull Santa Claus's sleigh first appeared in print during the nineteenth century in the United States. Real reindeer are found in Northern Europe, North America, and Siberia — although North American reindeer are more often called caribou. In Arctic and Subarctic areas, reindeer are regularly hunted and raised for their meat, milk, and hides. Reindeer comes from a Scandinavian root, similar to the Old Norse hreindyri.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

reindeer reindeers

Introducing electric snowmobiles required the outfitter to come up with tours that cover less ground in search of reindeer, elk and ptarmigan.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 16, 2026

This would have served as an important feeding ground in the summer for animals such as mammoth, bison, horse, elk, and reindeer, and would have in turn drawn hunter gatherers toward the area.

From BBC ● Jun. 1, 2026

The program was designed to benefit both wolverines and the Indigenous Sámi reindeer herders who share the landscape with them.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 1, 2026

During Thursday's second semi-final, Ireland's RTE will be showing "The End of the World with Beanz", featuring 1993 Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh in Norway experiencing life as a reindeer herder.

From Barron's ● May 11, 2026

“We eat a lot of fish. Herring. Salt cod. And yes, reindeer, but not the hooves.”

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo

City Light did not specify if weather, everyday wildlife or reindeers tangled in power lines were to blame.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 25, 2023

At least one special visitor will be prepared - as we all know - Santa's sleigh relies on magic and reindeers - not EV charging points.

From BBC ● Dec. 23, 2023

If reindeers are your favorite part of the holiday season, venture to this family-owned zoo that hosts drive-through safari rides by day.

From Washington Post ● Dec. 8, 2021

On Thursday, Salla’s Facebook page urged people to get acquainted with the Games’ dedicated mascot, a reindeer named Kesa — summer in Finnish - “and the other 10,000 reindeers in Salla.”

From Washington Times ● Jan. 28, 2021

In this village is their housen, their earth huts, their tepees, orniments, reindeers, dogs, sledges, fur clothin', boats, fishin' tackle, etc., etc.

From Samantha at the World's Fair by Baron C. de Grimm