noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

cane

kayn

Cane (noun) means the tall, jointed stem of plants like bamboo or sugar cane. Example: “Workers cut the cane by hand before the harvest.”

noun

The tall, jointed stem of plants like bamboo or sugar cane.

"Workers cut the cane by hand before the harvest."

A walking stick used for support while walking.

"After the surgery, he needed a cane to get around."

"Her grandfather's cane had a carved wooden handle."

A rod traditionally used for corporal punishment, or the punishment itself.

"Caning was once common in British schools."

verb

To hit someone with a cane as punishment.

"The old headmaster was known for caning students who misbehaved."

Informal: to heavily defeat or criticize someone.

"The critics caned the film for its weak script."

How to Use Cane

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA stem of a tall plant, a walking stick, or (informally) to beat or thoroughly defeat.

Common pairings

walking cane sugar cane cane someone (punish)

Word Forms

caned past tense, canes plural, Canes plural, canes singular

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Workers cut the _____ by hand before the harvest.

Etymology

From Old French cane, "sugar cane," from Latin canna, "reed," ultimately from an Ancient Greek word borrowed from Akkadian. Related to "channel" and "canal."

Origin: Ancient Greek

Rhymes for cane

lane Dane mane vane pane bane sane wane Jane fane Zane kane

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “cane” mean?

The word “cane” means the tall, jointed stem of plants like bamboo or sugar cane. In plain terms, a stem of a tall plant, a walking stick, or (informally) to beat or thoroughly defeat.

How do you pronounce “cane”?

“Cane” is pronounced kayn (/keɪn/ in IPA).

How do you use “cane” in a sentence?

Here is “cane” used in a sentence: “Workers cut the cane by hand before the harvest.”

What part of speech is “cane”?

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

Where does the word “cane” come from?

The word “cane” comes from Ancient Greek. From Old French cane, "sugar cane," from Latin canna, "reed," ultimately from an Ancient Greek word borrowed from Akkadian. Related to "channel" and "canal.".

Is “cane” a common word?

“Cane” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “cane” have?

“Cane” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the tall, jointed stem of plants like bamboo or sugar cane.

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Vocabulary lists that include cane:

Words With Greek Origins