double-reed

American  

[duhb-uhl-reed] / ˈdʌb əlˈrid /

adjective

Music.

1. of or relating to wind instruments producing sounds through two reeds fastened and beating together, as the oboe.

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double-reed British  

adjective

1. relating to or denoting a wind instrument in which the sounds are produced by air passing over two reeds that vibrate against each other

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Etymology

Origin of double-reed

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

double-reed

On “Oboe Blues,” he plays the three horns to introduce a theme, and then switches to the double-reed instrument, and shows considerable proficiency on that as well.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 1, 2026

Both began lessons on the saxophone, then switched to more difficult double-reed instruments.

From New York Times ● Apr. 22, 2022

In Mr. Focht’s apartment, his double-reed woodwind instrument transports him somewhere else.

From Washington Times ● Oct. 13, 2020

They’re defined by the sharp scrawl of the ghaita, a double-reed instrument, and the resounding pound of the tebel drum, which is made of goatskin and struck with wooden sticks.

From New York Times ● Mar. 28, 2019

We must also place among double-reed instruments the various bagpipes, cornemuses, and musettes, which are shawm or oboe instruments with reservoirs of air, and furnished with drones inclosing single reeds.

From Scientific American Supplement No. 819, September 12, 1891 by Various