cane

noun \ ˈkān \

|Updated on: 13 Aug 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

Some of the injuries were consistent with the boy having been hit with a cane on the side of his head, the news release states.

— talia richman, baltimoresun.com, "Baltimore couple faces 40 years in prison for 2017 death of baby," 13 July 2018
Gomez was in custody on suspicion of probation violation and being a felon in possession of tear gas and a leaded cane, Williams said.

— city news service, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Inmate who died at Vista jail ID'd," 13 July 2018
If the transplant has a large top, remove about one-third of the plant’s top by cutting off the top of vigorous canes for several inches.

— stan davidson, Sun-Sentinel.com, "With patience, blueberries can be grown in containers," 10 July 2018
Sugar cane is still grown here and the local tourism industry touts Cajun culture and seafood, but oil is what drives the economy — as evidenced by the sprawling shipyards and oilfield service companies that line the highway.

— Washington Post, "At another small paper, community ties are personal," 1 July 2018
In the closet was a cane-size shoehorn topped with a silver dog’s head, Tom Wolfe-style.

— anthony flint, BostonGlobe.com, "In the lap of luxury in Lenox, at the reborn Blantyre," 6 June 2018
Kaeser needed a cane to support the arm holding it.

— denise coffey, Courant Community, "Horizon Wings Shares Majesty Of Area Raptors," 29 May 2018
Coulter included artwork by Inslee Fariss, an artist Markle is reported to collect, and chose a vintage cane desk and modern four poster bed as a nod to the couple’s trip to Botswana.

— bonnie mccarthy, latimes.com, "How will Meghan and Harry mash up California style and British (royal) tradition?," 17 May 2018
Sebastian, who walks with a cane and is to have as many as four surgeries, told the judge.

— guillermo contreras, San Antonio Express-News, "S.A. man who carjacked and shot postal worker gets 20 years for crime spree," 12 July 2018

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