cattail

[ kat-teyl ]

noun

1. any tall, reedlike marsh plant of the genus Typha, especially T. latifolia, having long, sword-shaped leaves and dense, cylindrical clusters of minute brown flowers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cattail¹

First recorded in 1425–75, cattail is from the late Middle English word cattestail. See cat, tail ¹

Example Sentences

The common cattail is found in the Lower 48, as well as throughout southern Alaska and Canada.

From Popular-Science

Only starving people tried to make food from cattail seeds and the inner bark of slippery elm and willow trees.

From Project Gutenberg

Perched upon a swaying last year's cattail, Mr. Red-winged Blackbird shook his head in reply.

From Project Gutenberg

Nests are placed on the ground surface, in cover of marsh grass, cattail, or sedge.

From Project Gutenberg

Nests are placed within a few feet of water in cattail, rush, sedge, and willow.

From Project Gutenberg

The nativs of this neighbourhood eate the root of the Cattail or Cooper's flag.

From Project Gutenberg