reed

1 of 2

noun

1
a
: any of various tall grasses with slender often prominently jointed stems that grow especially in wet areas
b
: a stem of a reed
c
: a person or thing too weak to rely on : one easily swayed or overcome
2
: a growth or mass of reeds
specifically : reeds for thatching
3
: arrow
4
: a wind instrument made from the hollow joint of a plant
5
: an ancient Hebrew unit of length equal to six cubits
6
a
: a thin elastic tongue (as of cane, wood, metal, or plastic) fastened at one end over an air opening in a wind instrument (such as a clarinet, organ pipe, or accordion) and set in vibration by an air current
b
: a woodwind instrument that produces sound by the vibrating of a reed against the mouthpiece
the reeds of an orchestra
7
: a device on a loom resembling a comb and used to space warp yarns evenly
8
reedlike adjective

Illustration of reed

Illustration of reed
  • reed 6a

reed

2 of 2

verb

reeded; reeding; reeds

Examples of reed in a Sentence

Noun the reeds along the edge of a pond the reed section of the orchestra
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
According to the study, zebra and quagga mussels have had the biggest environmental impact, followed by grass carp and the common reed, which received the same ranking. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2024 Sweet Water Decor Amber Reed Diffuser in Pumpkin Spice There are many ways to make a home smell delicious this season, including reed diffusers. Melissa Epifano, People.com, 19 Oct. 2024
Verb
Griggs prefers blood orange Coupe and reed the deep mauve Ember. Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 13 Sep. 2024 Their monthly candle and reed diffuser subscription is sure to make any candle-lover swoon. Amanda Garrity, Good Housekeeping, 11 Nov. 2022 See all Example Sentences for reed 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reed.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English rede, from Old English hrēod; akin to Old High German hriot reed

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reed was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near reed

Cite this Entry

“Reed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reed. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

reed

noun
ˈrēd
1
a
: any of various tall slender grasses of wet areas that have stems with large joints
b
: a stem of such a grass
c
: a growth or mass of reeds
2
: a musical instrument made of the hollow joint of a plant
3
: a thin flexible strip (as of cane, wood, metal, or plastic) fastened at one end to the mouthpiece of a musical instrument (as a clarinet) or over an air opening (as in an accordion) and set in vibration by an air current (as the breath)

Biographical Definition

Reed 1 of 4

biographical name (1)

John 1887–1920 American journalist, poet, and Communist

Reed

2 of 4

biographical name (2)

Stanley Forman 1884–1980 American jurist

Reed

3 of 4

biographical name (3)

Thomas Brackett 1839–1902 American politician

Reed

4 of 4

biographical name (4)

Walter 1851–1902 American army surgeon

More from Merriam-Webster on reed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!