Langimage
English

reed

|reed|

B2

/riːd/

slender plant

Etymology
Etymology Information

'reed' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'hreod', where it referred to a type of plant.

Historical Evolution

'hreod' transformed into the Middle English word 'rede', and eventually became the modern English word 'reed'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it referred to a type of plant, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

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

The pond was surrounded by tall reeds.

Synonyms

Noun 2

a thin strip of material that vibrates to produce sound in a musical instrument.

The clarinet uses a single reed to produce sound.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/05/23 11:26