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“Rains” or “Reigns” or “Reins”

rains / reigns / reins are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term.

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Definitions

What each term means

Same sound, different spellings and meanings, shown with a pronunciation guide for each term.

rains r·EY·n·z

  • nounwater falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere.
  • noundrops of fresh water that fall as precipitation from clouds.
  • nounanything happening rapidly or in quick successive.
  • verbprecipitate as rain.

reigns r·EY·n·z

  • nouna period during which something or somebody is dominant or powerful.
  • nounthe period during which a monarch is sovereign.
  • nounroyal authority; the dominion of a monarch.
  • verbhave sovereign power.

reins r·EY·n·z

  • nounone of a pair of long straps (usually connected to the bit or the headpiece) used to control a horse.
  • nounany means of control.
  • verbstop or slow up one's horse or oneself by or as if by pulling the reins.
  • verbstop or check by or as if by a pull at the reins.
Usage

Examples in context

Real sentences for each spelling. Hover an example to copy it.

“rains”

  • The rains caused landslides across the mountainous…
  • …flooding was caused by Irene's rains coupled with the basin having…
  • Due to heavy rains on the Medina River basin…
  • Frequent rains made possible collecting two-week water…
  • The rains also knocked down two main…
  • The rains increased the water level of…
  • …spells of thunderstorm and heavy rains lashes the city, bringing some…
  • …walls melting under the winter rains."
  • Rains occurring after the fire wash…
  • Heavy winter rains have resulted in occasional flooding…

“reigns”

  • List of combined reigns
  • Combined reigns
  • …had a preamble referencing the reigns of Marduk-apla-uṣur and Erība-Marduk, the…
  • …the 1996–97 season, turning the reigns over to Frank Serratore.
  • During the reigns of the Konbaung kings that…
  • …holds the record for most reigns, with three.
  • …as a chancellor during the reigns of Wu Zetian's sons Emperor…
  • …title the most, with four reigns.
  • Overall, there have been 18 reigns shared among 11 wrestlers, with…
  • The Snail Vine - Confusion Reigns Supreme

“reins”

  • …Kenneth A. Boham took the reins as president in 1995 and…
  • …R. Crowell took over the reins of the Army track and…
  • …is suitable for use with reins that are connected with various
  • …its carrying, takes the mules reins off and sets it free.
  • Baldeodas took over the reins of the business along with…
  • …took over the Tall Blacks reins in 2007, taking them to…
  • …the bridle and for the reins.
  • He took over the reins full-time in 1985, when Hogg…
  • …owner, to hand over the reins.
  • The conducting reins and management of this Strauss…

Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions are drawn from WordNet.

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