Reeled

Reeled is the past tense and past participle of reel, a verb with several related senses involving a reel, a cylindrical device used to wind materials such as line, tape, film, or thread. The action generally involves either winding material onto the reel or drawing it toward the user, depending on context.

In fishing, to reel in means to wind the line onto the fishing reel in order to bring a catch closer. The phrase is common in angling guidance and reporting, illustrating the practical use of a reel to control tension and length of the line.

In film, photography, and related media, to reel a strip or tape refers to winding it onto a reel for storage or projection. Historically central to cinema and videocassette formats, the term persists in descriptions of loading, unloading, or organizing media on reels.

In textile production, silk reeling is the process of unwinding silk filaments from cocoons to produce threads. The resulting product is often described as reeled silk, reflecting the mechanical act of drawing silk from its source during processing.

Figuratively, reeled can describe a person who is stunned or knocked off balance by a shock or blow. For example, someone may reel from surprising news, meaning they momentarily lose balance or composure before recovering.