Illustration of reed
- reed 6a
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
Synonyms
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
Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 1 May 2024
His message is more about carefully considering how these reeds are used.
—Trilce Estrada Olvera, The Arizona Republic, 10 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for reed 
Noun
The reeds should be facing away from you, pointing out toward your lips.
—Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 1 May 2024
His message is more about carefully considering how these reeds are used.
—Trilce Estrada Olvera, The Arizona Republic, 10 May 2024
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.
Dictionary Entries Near reed
Cite this Entry
“Reed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reed. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationBiographical Definition
Reed
2 of 4biographical name (2)
Stanley Forman 1884–1980 American jurist
Reed
3 of 4biographical name (3)
Thomas Brackett 1839–1902 American politician
Reed
4 of 4biographical name (4)
Walter 1851–1902 American army surgeon
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share