rein
noun
Often a leather strap, fastened to each end of the bit of a bridle, by which the rider or driver controls a horse or other animal by pulling so as to exert pressure on the bit.
were reining
-
past progressiveof rein.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
There were signs that some consumers were reining in spending after years of inflation.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 11, 2026
A brisk wind swung the boat’s nose landward, causing the men below to strain at their yellow ropes as if they were reining in a wayward balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
From New York Times ● Nov. 21, 2016
The tone of his voice was curiously flat, as if he were reining himself in.
From "Ash" by Malinda Lo
Howard and Helen were reining their horses about to leave when Barbee came out into the road and put a detaining hand upon Howard's horse's mane.
From The Desert Valley by Jackson Gregory
In a few minutes they were within hailing distance, and Ted gave the long yell, which was answered, and in a few minutes they were reining in beside Kit.
From Ted Strong's Motor Car by Edward C. Taylor
