reeling

American  

[ree-ling] / ˈri lɪŋ /

adjective

1. staggering or swaying; unable to walk straight because of a blow, intoxication, etc..

   It seemed as if a reeling, drunken giant had set the route for the race—it was so full of twists and turns.

2. in a state of mental or emotional shock; overwhelmed.

   As a reeling nation mourns its dead, investigators are trying to determine whether anyone was aware of the homicidal plan.

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Etymology

Origin of reeling

reel ² ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

His guilty plea marks a pivotal moment in the fallout from Evergrande's collapse, which has shaken China's property sector and left investors and domestic banks reeling.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

The Detroit company and other carmakers are reeling after a domestic supplier went offline, but the administration hasn’t budged.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Three major airlines have hiked their checked-bag fees this month, in another blow for travelers still reeling from long TSA lines and increased airfare.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

We passed by hot rods, apartments listed for sale to foreigners and fishermen reeling in fresh catches off the coastal boulevard, El Malecón.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Just before he’d arrived in Vietnam, there’d been a tragic accident in his platoon, one that everyone was still reeling from.

From "Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam" by Elizabeth Partridge