cage

The word “cage” means a structure of bars or mesh used to enclose and contain an animal or person. In plain terms, a barred enclosure for keeping something in, or (as a verb) to trap someone inside one, literally or figuratively.

“Cage” is pronounced kayj (/keɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).

Here is “cage” used in a sentence: “The parrot paced back and forth inside its cage.”

Depending on how it is used, “cage” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “cage” comes from Latin. From Old French cage, going back to Latin cavea, "hollow place, enclosure" — the same root that gives us "cave" and "jail.".

“Cage” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Cage” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a structure of bars or mesh used to enclose and contain an animal or person.

A cage is an enclosure of bars or mesh that usually surrounds an animal on all sides, including the top, while a pen is an open-topped area fenced off to hold larger animals such as sheep or pigs. Cages fully contain, whereas pens mainly restrict movement across the ground.

A cage is typically a fixed or standing structure of bars used to keep an animal or person enclosed, while a crate is a portable box, often used to transport a pet. You keep a bird in a cage but carry a dog in a crate.

A coop is a specific kind of enclosure for poultry such as chickens, usually with a sheltered area, while a cage is a general term for any barred or mesh enclosure. All coops hold birds, but a cage can contain many kinds of animals.

Yes, 'cage' is also a verb meaning to shut a person or animal inside a cage, as in 'the parrot was caged for the journey.' Used figuratively, 'caged' can describe someone who feels trapped or confined.