cane

noun

\ˈkān

Definition of cane

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a(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 sense 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)

cane

verb

caned; caning

Definition of cane (Entry 2 of 2)

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

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about cane

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Examples of cane in a Sentence

Noun

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

Verb

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

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Select the strongest, tallest cane and leave it unpruned. — Stan Davidson, Sun-Sentinel.com, "With patience, blueberries can be grown in containers," 10 July 2018 There are scooters, walkers, canes, and ambling feet. — Beth Kephart, Philly.com, "Frances Metzman's 'Cha-Cha Babes of Pelican Bay': The rules of dancing, life, and rocking thongs in a retirement village," 6 July 2018 Ugo Laffolay, of France, astonished the crowd by balancing on one hand atop a tower of canes and extending his body perpendicularly. — Don Aucoin, BostonGlobe.com, "A Cirque du Soleil show that’s as interested in ‘Ahh’ as ‘Wow’," 29 June 2018 Three bettors carry canes, and two wear cowboy hats. — Mike Finger, San Antonio Express-News, "For Retama regulars, woman’s big win something to celebrate," 7 May 2018 A week later, Alex was able to leave the hospital with a cane rather than a walker. — Shari Rudavsky, Indianapolis Star, "Doctors at Riley thought boy might never walk again. He surprised them.," 13 Apr. 2018 Dripps at times had used a wheelchair, scooter, walker and sometimes a cane. — Janelle Walker, Elgin Courier-News, "Family of man who shot 3 officers in South Elgin standoff says he was distraught with health, financial woes," 10 July 2018 Spencer leaned on his cane while saluting his fallen comrades with the sign of the cross, the newspaper says. — CBS News, "Last survivor of World War II unit fulfills its whiskey pact," 3 July 2018 JUST A FEW decades ago, a backyard bonfire was considered fairly entertaining, especially the fun of transforming marshmallows into what amounted to cane-sugar briquettes. — Kathryn O’shea-evans, WSJ, "How to Build a Spectacular, Fragrant Fire," 16 May 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

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

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.