How do you use the word "reed" in a sentence?

Here are real-life examples of using "reed": Man is but a reed, the weakest in nature, but he is a thinking reed. Man is a thinking reed.

Reed Meaning

/ɹiːd/

Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Definition

nounAny of various types of tall stiff perennial grass-like plants growing together in groups near water.

nounThe hollow stem of these plants.

Sentence Examples

Man is but a reed, the weakest in nature, but he is a thinking reed.

Man is a thinking reed.

Teach me how to play a reed pipe.

CEFR Practice Quiz

In the wet marshland, the tall, thin plant called a ____ grew along the riverbank.

CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)

The musician crafted a new ____ for his oboe from a piece of cane he had selected carefully.

Word Origin & History

From Middle English red, from Old English hrēod, from Proto-West Germanic *hreud (“reed”), of uncertain origin. Cognates Cognate with North Frisian raid (“reed”), Saterland Frisian Räit (“reed”), West Frisian reid (“reed”), Dutch riet (“reed”), German Reet, Ried (“reed”). No cognates in North Germanic languages, but the existence of an otherwise unattested Gothic *𐌷𐍂𐌹𐌿𐌳 (*hriud) was supposed by the brothers Grimm. They also theorised that the word may have a relation to the retas mentioned in Noctes Atticae (Aulus Gellius). The measuring reed sense is the translation of Akkadian qanûm ("cane") used in the Bible and elsewhere.

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