reef

noun (1)
\ ˈrēf How to pronounce reef (audio) \

Definition of reef

 (Entry 1 of 3)

1 : a part of a sail taken in or let out in regulating size
2 : reduction in sail area by reefing

reef

verb
reefed; reefing; reefs

Definition of reef (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : to reduce the area of (a sail) by rolling or folding a portion
2 : to lower or bring inboard (a spar) wholly or partially

intransitive verb

: to reduce a sail by taking in a reef

reef

noun (2)

Definition of reef (Entry 3 of 3)

1a : a chain of rocks or coral or a ridge of sand at or near the surface of water — compare atoll, barrier reef
b : a hazardous obstruction
2 : lode, vein

Other Words from reef

Verb

reefable \ ˈrē-​fə-​bəl How to pronounce reefable (audio) \ adjective

Noun (2)

reefy \ ˈrē-​fē How to pronounce reefy (audio) \ adjective

First Known Use of reef

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1670, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (2)

1584, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for reef

Noun (1)

Middle English riff, from Old Norse rif; probably akin to Old Norse rīfa to rend — more at rive

Noun (2)

Dutch rif, from Middle Dutch, from Old Norse, literally rib; akin to Old English ribb rib — more at rib

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More Definitions for reef

reef

noun
\ ˈrēf How to pronounce reef (audio) \

Kids Definition of reef

: a chain of rocks or coral or a ridge of sand at or near the surface of water

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