cage
kayj
Cage (noun) means a structure of bars or mesh used to enclose and contain an animal or person. Example: “The hamster ran happily on its wheel inside a small wire cage.”
noun
1
A structure of bars or mesh used to enclose and contain an animal or person.
"The hamster ran happily on its wheel inside a small wire cage."
"The parrot paced back and forth inside its cage."
"Prisoners in the old jail were kept in iron cages."
verb
1
To shut something or someone inside a cage.
"Zookeepers caged the escaped monkey before it could wander onto the road."
"We never cage our rabbits, because they roam freely around the garden."
"They caged the injured hawk until it healed."
2
To trap or hold back a person's freedom or creativity, often figuratively.
"Please don't cage her creativity with so many rigid rules and deadlines."
"He felt caged in a small town that offered no chances to grow."
"She felt caged by the strict rules of her new job."
How to use cage
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA barred enclosure for keeping something in, or (as a verb) to trap someone inside one, literally or figuratively.
Common pairings
put in a cage
caged animal
feel caged in
birdcage
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- cages
- Past tense
- caged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The hamster ran happily on its wheel inside a small wire _____.
Etymology
From Old French cage, going back to Latin cavea, "hollow place, enclosure" — the same root that gives us "cave" and "jail."
Related words
Rhymes for cage
See all rhymes for cage →Frequently asked questions
What does “cage” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “cage”?
“Cage” is pronounced kayj (/keɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “cage” in a sentence?
Here is “cage” used in a sentence: “The parrot paced back and forth inside its cage.”
What part of speech is “cage”?
Depending on how it is used, “cage” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “cage” come from?
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.".
Is “cage” a common word?
“Cage” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “cage” have?
“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.
What is the difference between a 'cage' and a 'pen'?
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.
What is the difference between a 'cage' and a 'crate'?
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.
What is the difference between a 'cage' and a 'coop'?
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.
Can 'cage' be used as a verb?
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.
