Definition of cache
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: a hiding place especially for concealing and preserving provisions or implements
b
: a secure place of storage
discovered a cache of weapons
2
: something hidden or stored in a cache
The cache consisted of documents and private letters.
3
: a computer memory with very short access time used for storage of frequently or recently used instructions or data
— called also cache memory
cache
verb
cached; caching
Definition of cache (Entry 2 of 2)
: to place (something) in a cache: such as
a
: to place or store (something) in a hidden or secure place for safety or concealment
cache camp supplies by a lake coins cached in a teapot
b
computers
: to place (instructions or data) in cache memory for temporary storage
caching websites to speed up future retrieval
Buying Guide
Our Reviews team has selected the best Wi-Fi routers.
Test Your Vocabulary
Challenging Words You Should Know
-
- Often used to describe “the march of time,” what does inexorable mean?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share cache
Time Traveler for cache
The first known use of cache was in 1797
See more words from the same year