cast
kahst
Cast (verb) means to throw something, especially with some force or intent. Example: “The child cast a pebble into the pond and watched the ripples spread.”
verb
1
To throw something, especially with some force or intent.
"The child cast a pebble into the pond and watched the ripples spread."
"He cast the fishing line far out into the lake."
"She cast a worried glance toward the door."
2
To choose actors for the roles in a play, film, or show.
"The company cast local children as the villagers in the school play."
"They cast her as the queen because of her strong, clear voice."
"The director cast a newcomer in the lead role."
3
To shape a liquid material, especially molten metal, by pouring it into a mould.
"Workers cast the bell by pouring hot metal into a large mould."
"He cast a small copy of the statue using a mould and wax."
"The bronze statue was cast in a single piece."
noun
1
The group of actors performing in a play, film, or show.
"The cast met for the first rehearsal in the village hall."
"Most of the cast were students from the local drama school."
"The whole cast took a bow at the end of the performance."
2
A rigid support, often plaster, used to hold a broken bone in place while it heals.
"The doctor put his leg in a cast after the fall."
"Friends signed her cast with colourful pens and funny drawings."
"She had her arm in a cast for six weeks."
How to use cast
Learner’s notesIn 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.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
cast a shadow
cast a vote
cast a spell
plaster cast
star-studded cast
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- casts
- Past tense
- casted
- Archaic forms
- castest, casteth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The child _____ a pebble into the pond and watched the ripples spread.
Etymology
From Old Norse kasta ("to throw"), via Middle English casten — it eventually displaced the native English word "warp" in the sense of throwing.
Related words
Rhymes for cast
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.
What is the difference between 'cast' and 'throw'?
Both mean to propel something through the air, but 'cast' suggests a deliberate, sweeping motion with purpose — casting a fishing line, a net, or a shadow. 'Throw' is the plainer, more general word for any act of hurling. Cast also carries figurative uses, such as casting a vote or casting doubt.
What is the past tense of 'cast'?
The past tense of 'cast' is simply 'cast' — the word does not change. You say 'yesterday she cast the line,' not 'casted.' 'Casted' is a common mistake and is not standard English. The same form serves the present, past, and past participle, much like 'cut' and 'put'.
What is an example of casting something?
Casting a fishing line is a classic example: the angler swings the rod to send the hook far out over the water. Other examples include casting a net over a shoal of fish, or casting a stone across a pond to make it skip.
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