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.
It was only last month that former Schindler executive Silvio Napoli took the reins as CEO.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 14, 2026
In 2011 Mr. Hasson stepped down, handing the reins to New York-based Bill Mumma.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 29, 2026
When I asked McCleary about what those internal conversations were like, he reiterated that the company lets general managers take the reins on events at its many official national outposts.
From Slate ● Jun. 25, 2026
At what point did you realize that you were being handed the reins at the end of the film?
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 16, 2026
Sigurd released the reins and tried to step away from the horse, but he stopped short.
From Anya and the Dragon by Sofiya Pasternack
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.
