verb B2 Upper-Intermediate Very common

cast

kahst

Cast (verb) means to throw something, especially with some force or intent. Example: “He cast the fishing line far out into the lake.”

verb

To throw something, especially with some force or intent.

"He cast the fishing line far out into the lake."

"She cast a worried glance toward the door."

To choose actors for the roles in a play, film, or show.

"The director cast a newcomer in the lead role."

To shape a liquid material, especially molten metal, by pouring it into a mould.

"The bronze statue was cast in a single piece."

noun

The group of actors performing in a play, film, or show.

"The whole cast took a bow at the end of the performance."

A rigid support, often plaster, used to hold a broken bone in place while it heals.

"She had her arm in a cast for six weeks."

How to Use Cast

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo throw something, to pick actors for a show, to shape molten metal in a mould, or the group of actors/the plaster support for a broken bone.

Common pairings

cast a shadow cast a vote cast a spell plaster cast star-studded cast

Word Forms

cast past tense, casted past tense, cast plural, Casts plural, casts singular, cast singular, castest singular, casteth singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

He _____ the fishing line far out into the lake.

Etymology

From Old Norse kasta ("to throw"), via Middle English casten — it eventually displaced the native English word "warp" in the sense of throwing.

Origin: Middle English

Rhymes for cast

Ast last east fast mast vast past bast Hast yeast feast least

See all rhymes for cast →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “cast” mean?

The word “cast” means to throw something, especially with some force or intent. In plain terms, to throw something, to pick actors for a show, to shape molten metal in a mould, or the group of actors/the plaster support for a broken bone.

How do you pronounce “cast”?

“Cast” is pronounced kahst (/kæst/ in IPA).

How do you use “cast” in a sentence?

Here is “cast” used in a sentence: “He cast the fishing line far out into the lake.”

What part of speech is “cast”?

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

Where does the word “cast” come from?

The word “cast” comes from Middle English. From Old Norse kasta ("to throw"), via Middle English casten — it eventually displaced the native English word "warp" in the sense of throwing.

Is “cast” a common word?

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

How many meanings does “cast” have?

“Cast” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to throw something, especially with some force or intent.