cane

noun \ ˈkān \

|Updated on: 16 Jul 2018

Definition of cane

1 a (1) : a hollow or pithy, usually slender, and often flexible jointed stem (as of a reed or bamboo)

a fishing pole made of cane

(2) : any of various slender woody stems; especially : an elongated flowering or fruiting stem (as of a rose) usually arising directly from the ground

b : any of various tall woody grasses or reeds: such as

(1) : any of a genus (Arundinaria) of bamboo

(2) : sugarcane

(3) : sorghum

c : rattan 2b; especially : split rattan for wickerwork or basketwork

2 : a stick typically of wood or metal with a usually curved handle at one end that is grasped to provide stability in walking or standing

3 : a rod or stick used for flogging

4 : a tiny glass rod used in decorative glasswork (as in millefiori and paperweights)

See cane defined for English-language learners

See cane defined for kids

Examples of cane in a Sentence

In the past, some teachers would resort to the cane when students misbehaved.
The chair seat is made of cane.

Recent Examples of cane from the Web

That made standing or walking without the use of a walker or canes nearly impossible for Maya.

— sarah klein, Health.com, "This Video of a 4-Year-Old With Cerebral Palsy Walking on Her Own for the First Time Will Make Your Day," 6 July 2018
By the 1860s, the Lee family moved to Billy’s Island and lived off the land for decades - growing corn, wheat, beans, sugar cane and potatoes.

— helena oliviero, ajc, "Plan your trip: A guide to the Okefenokee swamp," 2 July 2018
Climbing roses, in comparison to ramblers, tend to bloom repeatedly through the season, but are shorter and with stiffer canes.

— adrian higgins, sacbee, "As for beauty and fragrance, the rambler comes up roses," 15 June 2018
Seventeen large glittery snowflakes hang from the ornamental cherry tree, and the mailbox is wrapped in stripes of red and white like a neon candy cane.

— chicago tribune, chicagotribune.com, "Algren Award finalist: "Nothing Less Than 20,000 Watts" by Susan Finch," 2 June 2018
The morning coat is typically worn for daytime events, such as Meghan and Harry’s wedding, and consists of a tailored coat, striped trousers, turndown collar shirt, waistcoat, tie, and accessories like top hats and canes.

— stacey leasca, Southern Living, "WATCH: 9 Words You Need to Know Before the Royal Wedding," 9 May 2018
Maman's playful takes are also seasonal, much like Rose Street Patisserie's Strawberry Rhubarb Almond Croissant in Minneapolis in March, or Union Fare's peppermint croissants with candy cane filling in New York in December.

— ashley day, USA TODAY, "Creative croissants across the country," 18 Apr. 2018
When Christmas rolled around, Christa turned her yard into a garden of huge candy canes.

— laura crimaldi, BostonGlobe.com, "After a hard past, she had found joy," 14 Jan. 2018
Two people dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus paid a visit in Ventura, and fire officials used a giant candy cane as a map pointer to show where units were focused.

— latimes.com, "Today: America First or America Alone?," 26 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cane.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of cane

Middle English, from Medieval French, from Old Occitan cana, from Latin canna, from Greek kanna, of Semitic origin; akin to Akkadian qanū reed, Hebrew qāneh

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

See Words from the same year

cane Synonyms

Synonyms

bat, baton, billy, billy club, bludgeon, club, cudgel, nightstick, rod, shillelagh (also shillalah), staff, truncheon;

Related Words

blackjack, knobkerrie, mace;

birch, crabstick, hickory, rattan, stave, switch;

beetle, gavel, hammer, mallet, maul, sledgehammer;

crook, crosier (or crozier), walking stick;

cane

verb

Definition of cane

caned; caning

transitive verb

1 : to beat with a cane

he sat in a professor's chair and caned sophomores for blowing spitballs
—H. L. Mencken

2 : to weave or furnish with cane

cane the seat of a chair

See cane defined for English-language learners

Examples of cane in a Sentence

In the past, some teachers would cane students who misbehaved.

Recent Examples of cane from the Web

Cane’s marinates never-frozen chicken tenderloins for 24 hours before dropping it in the fryer.

— andy staples, SI.com, "Where to eat, drink in Baton Rouge," 30 June 2017

First Known Use of cane

1662

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

CANE Defined for English Language Learners

cane

noun

Definition of cane for English Language Learners

: a short stick that often has a curved handle and is used to help someone to walk
the cane : a form of punishment in which a person is hit with a cane or stick
: the hard hollow stem of a plant (such as bamboo or reed) that is used to make furniture and baskets