cape
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for cape, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A sleeveless outer garment that hangs from the shoulders and covers the back and arms.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use cape
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French cap ("cape, headland"), from Latin caput ("head") — the geographic sense (a "head" of land) and the clothing sense both share this root.
Full origin of cape →Frequently asked questions
What does “cape” mean?
The word “cape” means a sleeveless outer garment that hangs from the shoulders and covers the back and arms. In plain terms, a sleeveless cloak-like garment, or a point of land sticking out into the sea.
How do you pronounce “cape”?
“Cape” is pronounced kayp (/keɪp/ in IPA).
How do you use “cape” in a sentence?
Here is “cape” used in a sentence: “Superman's red cape billowed behind him as he flew.”
What part of speech is “cape”?
“Cape” is a noun.
Where does the word “cape” come from?
The word “cape” comes from Latin. From Old French cap ("cape, headland"), from Latin caput ("head") — the geographic sense (a "head" of land) and the clothing sense both share this root.
Is “cape” a common word?
“Cape” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “cape” have?
“Cape” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sleeveless outer garment that hangs from the shoulders and covers the back and arms.
What is the difference between a 'cape' and a 'cloak'?
A cape is a short, sleeveless garment that hangs from the shoulders and covers the back and arms, while a cloak is longer and fuller, often reaching the ankles and wrapping the whole body. In short, a cape is the shorter of the two.
What is the difference between a 'cape' and a 'poncho'?
A cape hangs open from the shoulders and usually fastens at the neck, while a poncho is a single piece of fabric with a hole in the middle for the head, so it drapes over the body without a front opening. Capes are often formal or decorative, whereas ponchos are typically practical weather wear.
What is the difference between a 'cape' and a 'peninsula'?
In geography, a cape is a relatively small point of land jutting out into the sea, also called a headland, while a peninsula is a larger area of land nearly surrounded by water. A cape is often the tip, whereas a peninsula is the whole projecting landmass.
Does 'cape' mean clothing or land?
"Cape" has both meanings: it can be a sleeveless garment worn over the shoulders or a piece of land jutting into the sea. They are unrelated in use, so context, such as "wore a cape" versus "sailed around the cape," makes the meaning clear.