# rein

> English word · Noun · IPA /ɹeɪn/ · frequency rank #17,934

## Definitions
1. A strap or rope attached to a bridle or bit, used to control a horse, other animal or young child.
2. An instrument or means of curbing, restraining, or governing.

## Etymology
From Middle English rein, reyne, from Anglo-Norman reyne, resne, from Early Medieval Latin retina, ultimately from Classical Latin retineō (“hold back”), from re- + teneō (“keep, hold”). Compare modern French rêne.
Displaced native Old English brīdel (“bridle, rein”), Old English wealdleþer, ġewealdleþer (“rein, bridle”, literally “control strap”), Old English sāl (“cord, rein”), Old English tiġel (“rein”), and Old English lāttēh, lāttēh (“leash, rein”).

## Easily confused with
- **RN** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rein-vs-rn)
- **RI** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rein-vs-ri)
- **run** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rein-vs-run)
- **rid** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rein-vs-rid)
- **rep** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rein-vs-rep)
- **Rio** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rein-vs-rio)
- **rip** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rein-vs-rip)
- **Ron** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rein-vs-ron)
- **rev** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rein-vs-rev)
- **rex** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rein-vs-rex)
- **rig** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rein-vs-rig)
- **rim** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rein-vs-rim)
- **res** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rein-vs-res)
- **Rey** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rein-vs-rey)
- **rib** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rein-vs-rib)
- **ren** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rein-vs-ren)
- **Roi** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rein-vs-roi)
- **REM** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rein-vs-rem)
- **rin** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rein-vs-rin)
- **ret** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rein-vs-ret)

## Common misspellings (4)
`reinn`, `reni`, `rien`, `rrein`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/rein