noun
cattail
KAT-tayl
Cattail (noun) means a tall marsh plant of the genus Typha, with long flat leaves and a dense brown flower spike. Example: “Cattails grew thickly along the edge of the pond.”
noun
1
A tall marsh plant of the genus Typha, with long flat leaves and a dense brown flower spike.
"Cattails grew thickly along the edge of the pond."
"The children gathered cattails from the marsh."
"Ducks nested among the cattails near the riverbank."
How to use cattail
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tall marsh plant with a brown, sausage-shaped flower spike.
When to use it
Cattail is the common name used in the US, while reedmace is more familiar in British English.
Memory tip
The name simply joins cat and tail; it has no real connection to actual cats.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
a patch of cattails
cattails growing by the pond
gather cattails
a stand of cattails
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_____ grew thickly along the edge of the pond.
Etymology
The word comes from Middle English cattal or cattyle, formed simply by joining cat and tail.
Synonyms
View more →
bulrush
reedmace
Related words
Rhymes for cattail
See all rhymes for 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.
What is the meaning of cattail?
"cattail" (noun) means a tall marsh plant of the genus Typha, with long flat leaves and a dense brown flower spike.
