reins
Americanplural noun
-
the kidneys.
-
the region of the kidneys, or the lower part of the back.
-
(especially in Biblical use) the seat of the feelings or affections, formerly identified with the kidneys.
plural noun
Etymology
Origin of reins
before 1000; Middle English reines, reenes < Old French reins; compare Old English (once) rēnys; both < Latin rēnēs kidneys, loins (plural); cf. renal
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.
The administration didn’t instruct health officials to approve Replimune’s drug, and the White House has since handed the reins to the FDA, people familiar with the events said.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026
Manifold managed the process to find new CEO Meg O’Neill, who took the reins in April, and investors were buying into BP’s strategic reset.
From Barron's • May 27, 2026
Esa-Pekka Salonen took the reins in 1992 at 34.
From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026
With Xabi Alonso taking the reins in July as their new manager, Rooney believes Chelsea will become a major force.
From BBC • May 25, 2026
“With the spring of a deer,” Washington jumped from his saddle and, said Trask, “threw the reins of his bridle into the hands of his servant.”
From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
