Definition of cane
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 groundb : any of various tall woody grasses or reeds: such as (1) : any of a genus (Arundinaria) of bamboo (2) : sugarcane (3) : sorghumc : 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)
From the M-W Editors
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.
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
First Known Use: 14th century
cane
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
Examples of cane in a Sentence
In the past, some teachers would cane students who misbehaved.
1662
First Known Use of cane
1662
CANE Defined for English Language Learners
cane
playDefinition of cane for English Language Learners
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: a short stick that often has a curved handle and is used to help someone to walk
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the cane : a form of punishment in which a person is hit with a cane or stick
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: the hard hollow stem of a plant (such as bamboo or reed) that is used to make furniture and baskets
cane
Definition of cane for English Language Learners
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: to hit (someone) with a cane or stick as a form of punishment
CANE Defined for Kids
cane
playDefinition of cane for Students
1 : an often hollow, slender, and somewhat flexible plant stem
2 : a tall woody grass or reed (as sugarcane)
3 : a rod made especially of wood or metal that often has a curved handle and is used to help someone walk
4 : a rod for beating
Learn More about cane
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See words that rhyme with cane Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cane Spanish Central: Translation of cane Nglish: Translation of cane for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of cane for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cane
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