reeler: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowTechnical/Industrial for the winding machine; Informal for the staggering person.
Quick answer
What does “reeler” mean?
A person or machine that reels, especially one that winds thread, yarn, or film onto a reel.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or machine that reels, especially one that winds thread, yarn, or film onto a reel.
Informally, a person who staggers or sways unsteadily, as if drunk. Also refers to a type of mutant mouse with a characteristic staggering gait, used in neurological research.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The machine sense is more common in industrial contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
The informal sense of a staggering person is slightly humorous or descriptive in both.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects. The mouse strain term is standard in scientific English globally.
Grammar
How to Use “reeler” in a Sentence
[reeler] of [material: yarn/film][adjective] reelerVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to machinery in textile or film manufacturing industries.
Academic
Used in genetics/neuroscience when discussing the Reeler mouse model.
Everyday
Rarely used; if so, humorously for someone unsteady on their feet.
Technical
Precise term for a winding device in various engineering fields.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reeler”
- Using 'reeler' to mean 'someone who feels reeled' (incorrect).
- Confusing 'reeler' (noun) with 'reel' (verb).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word, mostly found in specific industrial or scientific contexts.
No, 'reeler' is a noun. The related verb is 'reel', as in 'to reel in a fishing line'.
They are near-synonyms in the industrial sense, but 'reeler' often implies a specific machine for winding onto a reel or spool, while 'winder' can be more general.
It is named for its characteristic reeling, staggering gait caused by a genetic mutation affecting brain development.
A person or machine that reels, especially one that winds thread, yarn, or film onto a reel.
Reeler is usually technical/industrial for the winding machine; informal for the staggering person. in register.
Reeler: in British English it is pronounced /ˈriːlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈriːlər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a film REELer - it's a machine that winds up film REELs.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A THREAD / A PERSON IS A MACHINE (The 'reeler' controls or manages the unwinding/spooling process, analogous to managing one's path or stability).
Practice
Quiz
In a neurological context, what does 'Reeler' specifically refer to?