A reed is a type of tall plant that grows in wet places like rivers or lakes. It has long, thin stems and often grows in groups.
The reed grows near the river bank.
A bird hid in the green reeds.
In music, a reed is a small piece that vibrates when you blow into some wind instruments. It helps make the sound of the instrument.
He changed the reed in his clarinet.
The saxophone uses a wooden reed.
This rare verb means to cut or collect reeds from the land, often used for making roofs or mats. It is not common in daily language.
Farmers reed the wetland plants in autumn.
They reeded the marsh for roof material.
In engineering, a reed is a small flexible strip that moves or vibrates inside a machine part. It helps control air or fluid flow.
The engine uses a reed valve to control flow.
The reed in this machine vibrates quickly.
In woodworking or metalwork, to reed means to cut thin, parallel lines (grooves) into a surface for decoration or function. It is a technical term.
The craftsman reeded the wooden column carefully.
Woodworkers reed the edges for decoration.
Musicians sometimes use 'reed' to talk about the sound made by a reed instrument. A soft reed sound is gentle and warm.
She played a smooth reed on her saxophone.
The reed had a warm, soft sound.
