noun
Uncommon
mace
mays
Mace (noun) means a heavy club, often with a spiked or knobbed head, historically used as a weapon. Example: “The knight swung his mace and crushed his opponent's shield.”
noun
1
A heavy club, often with a spiked or knobbed head, historically used as a weapon.
"The knight swung his mace and crushed his opponent's shield."
2
A ceremonial staff carried as a symbol of authority, such as in parliament.
"The sergeant-at-arms carried the mace into the chamber to open the session."
3
A spice made from the dried outer covering of the nutmeg seed.
"The recipe calls for a pinch of ground mace along with the nutmeg."
4
(often as a trademark) A chemical spray, similar to pepper spray, used for self-defense.
"She carried a small can of mace in her purse for safety."
verb
1
To spray someone with mace or a similar defensive chemical spray.
"The security guard maced the intruder before calling the police."
How to use mace
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDepending on context: a heavy club-like weapon, a ceremonial staff, a warming spice, or a defensive spray.
Common mistake
Don't confuse the spice mace (from nutmeg) with the self-defense spray mace — completely different things sharing one name.
Common pairings
ceremonial mace
ground mace
can of mace
mace someone
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Word forms
- Plural
- maces
- Third person singular
- maces
- Past tense
- maced
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The knight swung his _____ and crushed his opponent's shield.
Etymology
From Old French mace, ultimately from Vulgar Latin roots meaning a crushing or cutting tool.
Synonyms
View more →
macer
macebearer
Related words
Rhymes for mace
See all rhymes for mace →Frequently asked questions
What does “mace” mean?
The word “mace” means a heavy club, often with a spiked or knobbed head, historically used as a weapon. In plain terms, depending on context: a heavy club-like weapon, a ceremonial staff, a warming spice, or a defensive spray.
How do you pronounce “mace”?
“Mace” is pronounced mays (/meɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “mace” in a sentence?
Here is “mace” used in a sentence: “The knight swung his mace and crushed his opponent's shield.”
What part of speech is “mace”?
Depending on how it is used, “mace” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “mace” come from?
The word “mace” comes from Vulgar Latin. From Old French mace, ultimately from Vulgar Latin roots meaning a crushing or cutting tool.
Is “mace” a common word?
“Mace” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “mace” have?
“Mace” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a heavy club, often with a spiked or knobbed head, historically used as a weapon.
