# reed

/ˈɹid/ (US) · /ɹˈiːd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reed
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. aquatic plant

noun · CEFR B2

a tall, thin plant like grass that grows in large groups near the edge of lakes or rivers.

For teachers: any of various tall, perennial grasses of the genera Phragmites or Arundo, typically inhabiting wetlands.

- The small boat was hidden among the tall reeds at the edge of the lake.
- Environmentalists are working to preserve the local wetlands, as the dense reed beds provide a vital nesting habitat for several endangered bird species.

### 2. musical instrument part

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a thin piece of wood or metal in instruments like the saxophone that vibrates to make sound when you blow.

For teachers: a thin strip of cane, wood, or metal within the mouthpiece of certain aerophones that vibrates to produce a musical tone.

- The clarinet player had to wet his reed before the concert started.
- Professional oboists often spend hours meticulously carving their own double reeds to achieve a specific tonal quality and resistance.

### 3. thatching material

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

dried stalks of water plants used to make traditional roofs for houses.

For teachers: stems of aquatic plants harvested and prepared for use as a durable, water-resistant roofing material.

- The old cottage still has a roof made of river reed.
- While straw is a common choice for thatching, water reed is often preferred for its superior longevity and resistance to rot in damp climates.

### 4. weaving tool

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a part of a weaving machine that looks like a comb and keeps the threads in place.

For teachers: a comb-like attachment in a loom used to separate warp threads and beat the weft into place.

- The weaver carefully pushed the reed forward to tighten the fabric.
- The density of the finished textile is determined by the spacing of the dents within the reed of the loom.

### 5. to thatch a roof

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to cover a roof with dried plants.

For teachers: to perform the act of covering a structure with reed or similar plant material.

- It took the workers three days to reed the entire cottage roof.
- The artisan was commissioned to reed the heritage building using traditional methods to ensure historical accuracy.

## Examples

- The wind blows through the tall reed by the river.
- The musician carefully adjusted the reed on his saxophone before the concert began.
- Traditional artisans still harvest the local reed to weave durable floor mats, a practice that has sustained the village economy for generations.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.