The oaten pipe is a rare type of reed instrument from England and Scotland, made from dried oat stalks or similar natural materials. It is often linked to rural life. An 1898 dictionary described it as "a simple reed pipe made from a straw with a cut strip acting as a reed, closed at one end by a knot." Similar instruments exist in many cultures, though the term "oaten pipe" appears in English writings, often connected to images of rural scenes.

Some sources say the oaten pipe was used as a simple noise maker or to mimic bird calls, while others mention it had small holes for playing melodies. Scottish experts noted that these pipes were sometimes used as toys by boys and could serve as a practice tool (like a simplified version of a bagpipe practice chanter) for learning to play bagpipes later.