reins
Americanplural noun
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the kidneys.
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the region of the kidneys, or the lower part of the back.
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(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.
Kieran McKenna's decision to step down as manager was a shock after taking back into the top flight, so now it is up to Gary O'Neil to pick up the reins.
From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026
“I’m normally Type A, so to give the reins up has been a little bit freeing,” she said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2026
His tenure as CEO ended in mid-March when he handed the reins to Josh D’Amaro, the charismatic parks chief.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026
Okuda took the reins of the struggling firm in 1995 as the first person from outside the founding family in decades, and pushed innovative products such as the RAV4 and Prius.
From Barron's ● Aug. 12, 2026
Another theater employee, named John Peanut for the snack he sold to theater patrons, held the reins of Booth’s restless horse while the actor went inside.
From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson
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.
