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

The tone in these instruments is produced by the vibration of two very thin pieces of cane, which are called together a double-reed.

From Music Notation and Terminology by Gehrkens, Karl Wilson