noun
ear of rice; head of rice
Refers specifically to the grain-bearing part of a rice plant. Common in agricultural, seasonal, and poetic contexts.
秋になると、田んぼの稲穂が黄金色に輝く。
In autumn, the ears of rice in the paddies shine golden.
風に揺れる稲穂を見ながら散歩した。
I took a walk while watching the ears of rice swaying in the wind.
Compound of 稲 (いな, 'rice plant') and 穂 (ほ, 'ear of grain'). The reading いなほ is a straightforward combination of the two kun'yomi.