reed

A tall plant with a stiff stem that grows in or near water.

• Reeds grow beside the lake.
• A bird hid among the reeds.
• They used dried reed stems to make baskets.

Common phrases: tall reed, reed bed

A thin piece of wood or metal that shakes to make sound when air passes over it.

• The clarinet needs a new reed.
• She checked the reed before playing.
• Oboes use two reeds that vibrate together.

Common phrases: clarinet reed, double reed

A comb-like part of a weaving machine that pushes each new thread into place.

• The weaver replaced the reed.
• Threads pass through narrow gaps in the reed.
• This loom needs a wider reed.

Common phrases: loom reed, weaving reed