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Glite Dictionary
double-reed instrument

double-reed instrument

5.0
A musical instrument that makes sound with two reeds, like an oboe or bassoon
  • noun
  • /ˈdʌbəl-riːd ˈɪnstrəmənt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : instrumento de doble lengüeta
  • The oboe player, who was still learning to master that difficult double-reed instrument, kept making mistakes.

Examples

  • She played a solo on her double-reed instrument during the concert, which captivated the audience.

  • Many students choose to study the double-reed instrument because of its rich tonal quality.

  • Teaches the double-reed instruments at the University of Alabama music school.

    Fiction book (1993)

  • The orchestra featured a beautiful performance of the double-reed instrument, highlighting its unique sound.

Synonyms

woodwind
vsdouble-reed instrument
3 4.2

An instrument that makes sound when you blow into or across it, like a flute

is a specific type within that family that uses two joined vibrating reeds
reed instrument
vsdouble-reed instrument
1 4.1

An instrument that makes sound when a reed vibrates, like a clarinet or saxophone

uses two joined reeds vibrating together rather than a single reed
woodwind instrument
vsdouble-reed instrument
1 3.6

A musical instrument that makes sound when you blow air, often using a reed, like a clarinet or oboe

uses two joined vibrating reeds rather than general sound production methods

Surface Forms

double-reed instrument singular
double-reed instruments plural

Morphology

double-reed + instrument

The phrase is compositionally transparent: a B1 learner who knows 'double' (twofold), 'reed' (the vibrating piece used in woodwind instruments), and 'instrument' can infer it denotes a musical instrument that uses two reeds. This follows a regular modifier+noun pattern found across languages and does not require idiomatic or culture-specific knowledge.

Etymology

Double-reed instrument describes wind instruments that use two thin pieces of cane called reeds tied together. When the two reeds touch and move they make the instrument's sharp, slightly nasal 'sound', so the name simply tells you how the instrument makes its sound.