reel

A round object that turns and holds things such as thread, film, rope, or fishing line wrapped around it.

• The thread is on a reel.
• He fitted a new reel to his fishing rod.
• We found several reels of old film.

How to use it: reel of something (She bought a reel of blue thread.)

Similar words: spool

Common phrases: fishing reel, reel of thread, film reel, reel of yarn

To move line, tape, or something attached to it by winding or unwinding it on a turning wheel.

• Reel the line in slowly.
• She reeled off enough tape to seal the box.
• Have you ever reeled in a large fish?

How to use it: reel something in (He slowly reeled the fish in.); reel something off something (She reeled some tape off the roll.)

Similar words: wind, unwind

Common phrases: reel something in, reel something off, reel in fish

To move suddenly and unsteadily, often backwards after a blow or shock.

• He reeled back in pain.
• The punch sent her reeling against the wall.
• I reeled sideways and grabbed the railing.

How to use it: reel from something (He reeled from the force of the blow.)

Similar words: stagger, lurch, sway

Common phrases: reel back, reel from something, reel against something