reed organ

noun

1. a musical keyboard instrument, as the harmonium or American organ, having small metal reeds through which air is forced to produce the sound.

reed organ

noun

1. a wind instrument, such as the harmonium, accordion, or harmonica, in which the sound is produced by reeds, each reed producing one note only
2. a type of pipe organ, such as the regal, in which all the pipes are fitted with reeds

Word History and Origins

Origin of reed organ¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

One tribe squatted under fluttering flags with the Star of David and the Cross, keeping time with a table - a bongo-type drum - a tambourine and a portable reed organ.

From Washington Times

One tribe squatted under fluttering flags with the Star of David and the Cross, keeping time with a table — a bongo-type drum — a tambourine and a portable reed organ.

From Seattle Times

“A reed organ is a small foot pedal organ that was a regulation instrument in pre-war Japanese elementary schools,” she explains.

From The Guardian

Ninety-nine functional reed organs sit inside the Reed Conklin Organ Museum - which is the former site of Hanover High School.

From Washington Times

Mr. Cha-Beach, meanwhile, marshaled an eclectic array of instruments including a bellows reed organ and a musical saw.

From New York Times