Spool vs. Reel — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 6, 2023
Spool typically refers to a cylinder around which thread or wire is wound, while Reel involves a revolvable device on which something (like fishing line or film) is wound.
Difference Between Spool and Reel
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Spool and Reel both relate to objects around which materials like thread or wire can be wound. The spool is typically a cylindrical object that primarily holds threads, wires, or ribbons. In contrast, a reel is designed to wind, store, and release, often having a mechanism that allows it to revolve.
To elaborate, when someone uses the word spool, they generally refer to an item that simply holds something – like thread, which is commonly found in sewing. Meanwhile, the term reel typically indicates an object that can release and collect line or tape, like in a fishing rod or film projector.
The term spool tends to be utilized in various contexts, such as printing where a ‘spool’ holds the printing queue or in automobiles where a 'spool valve' functions. Conversely, reel can refer to a dance (Scottish reel) or describe a staggering motion, demonstrating its varied applications.
When thinking of spool, one might visualize a small, cylindrical object around which thread is wound, often housed within a sewing machine. When considering a reel, images of a fishing rod may come to mind, where the reel allows the line to be cast and reeled back in efficiently.
Conclusively, while spool typically points to a passive holder of thread or wire, reel implies a more mechanically involved device, designed to both store and manageably release materials like line, film, or tape.
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Comparison Chart
General Use
Holds thread, wire, etc.
Winds and unwinds, like fishing line or film.
Mechanism
Typically no mechanism to wind/unwind
Often has a mechanism to wind and unwind
Material
Often associated with thread or light materials
Commonly linked with heavier materials like cable
Verb Usage
Spool can refer to accumulating data in printing
Reel can also mean to stagger or lurch
Compare with Definitions
Spool
To accumulate data or messages in a temporary storage area to be processed in the order received.
The printer will spool the documents before it begins printing them.
Reel
A cylinder that revolves to wind or unwind something, such as film or fishing line.
The reel of the fishing rod was smooth, allowing for easy casting.
Spool
A device in a hydraulic system designed to manage the flow of fluid.
The spool valve redirected the hydraulic fluid efficiently.
Reel
A dance of Scottish origin, characterized by a regular and lively tempo.
The couple joyously danced the reel at the festival.
Spool
A cylinder on which thread, wire, or other materials are wound.
Susan bought a spool of blue thread for her sewing project.
Reel
A reel is an object around which a length of another material (usually long and flexible) is wound for storage. Generally a reel has a cylindrical core and walls on the sides to retain the material wound around the core.
Spool
The act of winding something, typically thread or wire, onto a spool.
Carefully, she began to spool the old film.
Reel
A device, such as a cylinder, spool, or frame, that turns on an axis and is used for winding and storing rope, tape, film, or other flexible materials.
Spool
In angling, to load a reel with line.
He decided to spool new line onto his fishing reel.
Reel
A cylindrical device attached to a fishing rod to let out or wind up the line.
Spool
A cylinder of wood, plastic, cardboard, or other material on which wire, thread, or string is wound.
Reel
The quantity of wire, film, or other material wound on one reel.
Spool
The amount of wire, thread, or string wound on such a cylinder.
Reel
A set of curved lawnmower blades that rotate around a bar parallel to the ground, cutting grass while moving against a stationary straight blade.
Spool
Something similar to such a cylinder in shape or function.
Reel
A staggering, swaying, or whirling movement.
Spool
A reel for magnetic tape.
Reel
A moderately fast dance of Scottish origin.
Spool
To wind or be wound on or off a spool.
Reel
The Virginia reel.
Spool
To store (data sent to a printer) in a buffer, allowing the program that sent the data to the printer to resume its normal operation.
Reel
The music for one of these dances.
Spool
A reel; a device around which thread, wire or cable is wound, especially a cylinder or spindle.
Reel
A handheld hammer used in a quarry for shaping granite blocks.
Spool
(aviation) One of the rotating assemblies of a gas turbine engine, composed of one or more turbine stages, a shaft, and one or more compressor or fan stages.
The high-pressure spool rotates faster than the intermediate- and low-pressure spools, as the high-pressure turbine is driven by superheated combustion gases straight out of the burners, while the high-pressure compressor has to spin very fast to compress air that has already been compressed and heated by the low- and intermediate-pressure compressors.
Reel
To wind on or let out from a reel.
Spool
(computing) A temporary storage area for electronic mail, etc.
Reel
To recover by winding on a reel
Reel in a large fish.
Spool
A small swimming pool that can be used also as a spa.
Reel
To be thrown off balance or fall back
Reeled from the sharp blow.
Spool
To wind on a spool or spools.
Reel
To stagger, lurch, or sway, as from drunkenness
Reeled down the alley.
Spool
(computing) To send files to a device or a program (a spooler or a daemon that puts them in a queue for processing at a later time).
Reel
To go round and round in a whirling motion
Gulls reeling and diving.
Spool
A piece of cane or reed with a knot at each end, or a hollow cylinder of wood with a ridge at each end, used to wind thread or yarn upon.
Reel
To feel dizzy
My head reeled with the facts and figures.
Spool
To wind on a spool or spools.
Reel
To cause to reel.
Spool
A winder around which thread or tape or film or other flexible materials can be wound
Reel
A shaky or unsteady gait.
Spool
Transfer data intended for a peripheral device (usually a printer) into temporary storage
Reel
A lively dance originating in Scotland; also, the music of this dance; often called a Scottish (or Scotch) reel.
Spool
Wind onto a spool or a reel
Reel
A kind of spool, turning on an axis, on which yarn, threads, lines, or the like, are wound.
A log reel, used by seamen
An angler's reel
A garden reel
Nudge the fruit machine reel
Reel
(agriculture) A device consisting of radial arms with horizontal stats, connected with a harvesting machine, for holding the stalks of grain in position to be cut by the knives.
Reel
(film) A short compilation of sample film work used as a demonstrative resume in the entertainment industry.
Reel
To wind on a reel.
Reel
To spin or revolve repeatedly.
Reel
To unwind, to bring or acquire something by spinning or winding something else.
He reeled off some tape from the roll and sealed the package.
Reel
To walk shakily or unsteadily; to stagger; move as if drunk or not in control of oneself.
Reel
To back off, step away, or sway backwards unsteadily and suddenly.
He reeled back from the punch.
Reel
To make or cause to reel.
Reel
To have a whirling sensation; to be giddy.
Reel
To be in shock.
Reel
To produce a mechanical insect-like song, as in grass warblers.
Reel
(obsolete) To roll.
Reel
A lively dance of the Highlanders of Scotland; also, the music to the dance; - often called Scotch reel.
Reel
A frame with radial arms, or a kind of spool, turning on an axis, on which yarn, threads, lines, or the like, are wound; as, a log reel, used by seamen; an angler's reel; a garden reel.
Reel
A machine on which yarn is wound and measured into lays and hanks, - for cotton or linen it is fifty-four inches in circuit; for worsted, thirty inches.
Reel
A device consisting of radial arms with horizontal stats, connected with a harvesting machine, for holding the stalks of grain in position to be cut by the knives.
Reel
The act or motion of reeling or staggering; as, a drunken reel.
Reel
To roll.
And Sisyphus an huge round stone did reel.
Reel
To wind upon a reel, as yarn or thread.
Reel
To incline, in walking, from one side to the other; to stagger.
They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man.
He, with heavy fumes oppressed,Reeled from the palace, and retired to rest.
The wagons reeling under the yellow sheaves.
Reel
To have a whirling sensation; to be giddy.
In these lengthened vigils his brain often reeled.
Reel
A roll of photographic film holding a series of frames to be projected by a movie projector
Reel
Music composed for dancing a reel
Reel
Winder consisting of a revolving spool with a handle; attached to a fishing rod
Reel
A winder around which thread or tape or film or other flexible materials can be wound
Reel
A lively dance of Scottish highlanders; marked by circular moves and gliding steps
Reel
An American country dance which starts with the couples facing each other in two lines
Reel
Walk as if unable to control one's movements;
The drunken man staggered into the room
Reel
Revolve quickly and repeatedly around one's own axis;
The dervishes whirl around and around without getting dizzy
Reel
Wind onto or off a reel
Reel
To draw something in by turning a reel.
With excitement, she began to reel in the large fish.
Reel
To stagger or sway under a blow or shock or as if under a blow or shock.
After hearing the shocking news, he began to reel in disbelief.
Reel
A part or division of a movie or animation.
The final reel of the movie was both surprising and emotional.
Common Curiosities
Can a reel also refer to a form of dance?
Yes, a reel can refer to a lively dance, especially of Scottish origin.
Does a spool usually contain a mechanism to wind and unwind?
Typically, no. A spool primarily serves to hold material like thread.
Can "spool" be used as a verb?
Yes, "spool" can refer to the action of winding something onto a spool.
Is a spool valve related to thread storage?
No, a spool valve is a hydraulic device that regulates fluid flow.
Can the word "reel" refer to a physical response?
Yes, to "reel" can describe staggering or swaying, often due to a physical or emotional blow.
Is it common to find a reel in fishing equipment?
Yes, reels are a fundamental component of fishing rods, aiding in casting and retrieving the line.
Can a spool be used in a 3D printer?
Yes, 3D printers often use spools to hold and manage filament.
Are spools in computing physical objects?
No, in computing, spooling refers to a virtual storage space where data is temporarily held.
In computing, what does "to spool" refer to?
To spool in computing refers to placing data in a temporary storage area to be processed in order.
Can "reel" be used to describe part of a movie?
Yes, a "reel" can refer to a segment or portion of a film.
Is "spool" commonly associated with sewing?
Yes, spools holding thread are a staple in sewing practices.
What is a common material found on a reel in filmmaking?
Film, often stored in segments, is commonly found on reels in filmmaking.
Can "reel" be used in the context of a violent physical reaction?
Yes, someone might "reel" from a punch, meaning they stagger or sway from the impact.
Can "spool" refer to a spool valve in vehicles?
Yes, vehicles, particularly those with automatic transmissions, may have a spool valve to manage fluid flow.
Does a reel have to be cylindrical?
Generally, yes, reels are cylindrical to effectively wind and unwind material.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
