Reindeer
/ˈreɪn.dɪr/noun
A large deer of the Arctic and subarctic regions, with both males and females typically bearing antlers.
Did you know?The English word comes through Scandinavian languages from a Germanic root for a hoofed animal, and the animal’s iconic antlers made it one of the most myth-loaded creatures of the North long before Santa.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dyeu-
“to shine; sky, daylight”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*deuzą
“wild animal, deer”
Old Norse
ON
hreinn
“reindeer”
Middle English
English
rēn deor
“reindeer; literally 'reindeer deer'”
Modern English
English
reindeer
“the Arctic deer species Rangifer tarandus”