Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Colors (New!) Easter eggs (New!)

Literary notes about Reel (AI summary)

The term "reel" functions in varied and multifaceted ways within literature. It is often used as a verb to portray a sense of dizziness or disorientation, as when a character’s mind or body is overwhelmed, described vividly in passages such as "The sensation made her brain reel" ([1]) or when a person "started toward the opening... only to reel drunkenly against a side wall" ([2]). In contrast, it also takes on a more tangible role as a noun referring to coiled objects like spools—illustrated by the image of blue silk unwinding on a reel ([3]) and even a "magic reel" used to transform appearance ([4], [5]). Furthermore, "reel" appears as a term denoting a type of dance, capturing a spirited and rhythmic movement as seen in the invitation to play the "Virginia Reel" ([6]) or engaging in a lively four-handed reel ([7]). This lexical versatility allows writers to employ "reel" both literally and metaphorically, enriching descriptions of movement, mood, and material objects throughout literary works.
  1. The sensation made her brain reel, and she tried to shut out consciousness by pressing her hands against her eyes.
    — from The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
  2. With an effort I started toward the opening of the cave only to reel drunkenly against a side wall, and from there slip prone upon the floor.
    — from A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs
  3. The daughter of the Professor was sitting in the doorway winding blue silk on a reel, and her little dog was lying at her feet.
    — from The Happy Prince, and Other Tales by Oscar Wilde
  4. Then Allerleirauh ran into the kitchen, and cooked the bread soup for the King, and as the cook was away, put her golden reel into it.
    — from Household Tales by Brothers Grimm by Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm
  5. “The reel of silk has run smoothly enough so far; but I always knew there would come a knot and a puzzle: here it is.
    — from Jane Eyre: An Autobiography by Charlotte Brontë
  6. Standing near him, I made bold to inquire if he could play the "Virginia Reel."
    — from Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup
  7. You might join in and we’d have a four-handed reel.”
    — from Dubliners by James Joyce

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, Scrabble


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Compound Your Joy