log reel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Nautical
Quick answer
What does “log reel” mean?
A physical cylindrical spool on which a measured length of line, typically used for depth sounding, fishing, or other nautical operations, is wound.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A physical cylindrical spool on which a measured length of line, typically used for depth sounding, fishing, or other nautical operations, is wound.
A nautical instrument or device consisting of a reel that holds a marked line, historically used to measure a ship's speed (log line) or water depth (sounding line). In modern contexts, it can also refer to a similar reel used in specific industries for measuring or deploying cable/wire.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is consistent and technical in both varieties. No significant lexical differences.
Connotations
Purely functional and historical in both; evokes traditional seamanship.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse in both varieties. Usage is confined to historical, maritime, or very specific technical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “log reel” in a Sentence
wind/unwind [something] on/from the log reelsecure the line to the log reelThe log reel holds [X fathoms of line].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “log reel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not applicable as a verb)
American English
- (Not applicable as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable as an adverb)
American English
- (Not applicable as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Not applicable as an adjective)
American English
- (Not applicable as an adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical or maritime studies texts describing navigation techniques.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in nautical archaeology, museum descriptions of maritime artifacts, traditional sailing manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “log reel”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “log reel”
- Confusing it with 'reel log' (which could imply a log that reels).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to log reel' is incorrect).
- Thinking it is a list or record of film reels.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both are reels that hold line, a log reel is specifically designed for nautical measurement tasks like determining a ship's speed or water depth, not for angling.
No. 'Log reel' is exclusively a compound noun. You cannot 'log reel' something.
No. It is a historical/technical term. Modern ships use electronic logs and depth sounders, making the physical log reel largely obsolete outside of historical re-enactments or traditional sailing vessels.
The 'log' (or 'ship's log') is the record of speed, course, and events. Historically, the 'log' was also the name for the device thrown overboard to measure speed. The 'log reel' is the specific spool that holds the line used with that measuring device.
A physical cylindrical spool on which a measured length of line, typically used for depth sounding, fishing, or other nautical operations, is wound.
Log reel is usually technical / nautical in register.
Log reel: in British English it is pronounced /lɒɡ riːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /lɔɡ riːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a ship's CAPTAIN writing in his LOG BOOK. To get the speed for the book, he uses a REEL of line. The LOG's REEL.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/MEASUREMENT IS A WOUND OBJECT (The data is physically stored/collected by unwinding a line from a spool).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'log reel' primarily used for?