beating reed

noun

: a reed in a musical instrument that vibrates against the edges of an air opening (as in a clarinet or organ pipe) to which it is attached compare free reed

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of beating reed was in 1851

Dictionary Entries Near beating reed

Cite this Entry

“Beating reed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beating%20reed. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on beating reed

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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