: any of a genus (Phragmites) of widely distributed reeds with tall stems and large showy panicles resembling plumes

Examples of phragmites in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An amphibious vehicle is used by hydrologists to reach areas of study in Farmington Bay, choked by invasive thickets of phragmites on Thursday, Nov. 3. 2022. Sofia Jeremias, The Salt Lake Tribune, 4 Jan. 2023 The banks of the Stewart's Creek Estuary are lined with phragmites, an invasive reed species that grows in wetland areas. Andrew Brinker, BostonGlobe.com, 26 Nov. 2022

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek phragmitēs growing in hedges, from phragma fence, hedge, from phrassein to enclose

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phragmites was in 1877

Dictionary Entries Near phragmites

Cite this Entry

“Phragmites.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phragmites. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

phragmites

noun
: any of various tall reeds with large feathery clusters of flowers
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