reedy

American  

[ree-dee] / ˈri di /

adjective

reedier, reediest

1. full of reeds.

   a reedy marsh.

2. consisting or made of a reed or reeds.

   a reedy pipe.

3. like a reed or reeds.

   reedy grass.

4. having a sound like that of a reed instrument.

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reedy British  

/ ˈriːdɪ /

adjective

1. (of a place, esp a marsh) abounding in reeds

2. of or like a reed

3. having a tone like a reed instrument; shrill or piping

   a reedy voice

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• reediness
  noun
• reedily
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of reedy

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at reed, -y ¹

Explanation

Use the adjective reedy to describe someone who's tall and thin, or a sound that's high-pitched. The reedy singer in your middle school choir might have a reedy voice. Reedy people are lanky and tall, with long, slender legs that resemble reeds, the broad-leafed grasses that grow in marshy areas. Reedy sounds, on the other hand, seem to be made from a reed (or woodwind) instrument, like a clarinet. So your reedy singing voice is high and thin, rather than bold and deep like your father's baritone.

Related Words

• delicate
• fragile
• gaunt
• lean
• meager
• narrow
• skinny
• slim
• small