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Definition of reed

reed

/ɹiːd/
reed
Plural:reeds
•
Adjective:reedy
•
Past Simple:reeded
•
Past Participle:reeded
•
Present Participle:reeding
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reed Lexical Profile

reed Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A tall, slender-leaved plant of the grass family that typically grows in water or on marshy ground.

Example

"The duck built its nest hidden among the tall reeds at the edge of the pond."

2

A thin strip of material, such as wood, cane, or metal, in a musical instrument that vibrates when air is blown across it to produce sound.

Example

"The clarinetist had to soak a new reed before the performance to ensure a clear tone."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for reed

• verb

1

To thatch or cover a roof with reeds.

Example

"The villagers worked together to reed the roof of the communal hall before the winter storms arrived."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for reed

• Rhymes for reed

• Nearby Words

redtail catfish
redwing
redwood
reed
reed snake
reedbuck
reedfish

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'hrēod', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'riet' and German 'Riet'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Reed. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 22, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/reed
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