cattail
2 synonyms for cattail, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A tall marsh plant of the genus Typha, with long flat leaves and a dense brown flower spike.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
bulrush
reedmace
How to use cattail
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a patch of cattails
cattails growing by the pond
gather cattails
a stand of cattails
Cattail is the common name used in the US, while reedmace is more familiar in British English.
Etymology
The word comes from Middle English cattal or cattyle, formed simply by joining cat and tail.
Full origin of cattail →Frequently asked questions
What is a cattail?
A cattail is a tall marsh plant of the genus Typha, known for its long leaves and brown, sausage-shaped flower spike.
Where do cattails grow?
Cattails grow in marshy places, often at the edges of ponds and rivers.
Is there another name for cattail?
Yes, cattails are also called bulrush or reedmace.
