noun

thane

thayn

Thane (noun) means a nobleman in Anglo-Saxon and early medieval England, ranking roughly like a baron. Example: “Macbeth was named Thane of Cawdor in Shakespeare's play.”

noun

A nobleman in Anglo-Saxon and early medieval England, ranking roughly like a baron.

"Macbeth was named Thane of Cawdor in Shakespeare's play."

"The thane held land granted to him by the king in exchange for military service."

How to use thane

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA historical English noble rank, below an earl.

Word forms

thanes plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Macbeth was named _____ of Cawdor in Shakespeare's play.

Etymology

From Old English þegn, "man" or "warrior," related to a word for a nobleman's retainer.

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for thane

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

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Frequently asked questions

What does “thane” mean?

The word “thane” means a nobleman in Anglo-Saxon and early medieval England, ranking roughly like a baron. In plain terms, a historical English noble rank, below an earl.

How do you pronounce “thane”?

“Thane” is pronounced thayn (/θeɪn/ in IPA).

How do you use “thane” in a sentence?

Here is “thane” used in a sentence: “Macbeth was named Thane of Cawdor in Shakespeare's play.”

What part of speech is “thane”?

“Thane” is a noun.

Where does the word “thane” come from?

The word “thane” comes from Old English. From Old English þegn, "man" or "warrior," related to a word for a nobleman's retainer.