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cape

noun (1), often attributive
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\ ˈkāp How to pronounce cape (audio) \

Definition of cape

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a point or extension of land jutting out into water as a peninsula or as a projecting point
2 often capitalized : cape cod cottage

cape

noun (2)

Definition of cape (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a sleeveless outer garment or part of a garment that fits closely at the neck and hangs loosely over the shoulders
2 : the short feathers covering the shoulders of a fowl — see duck illustration

Synonyms for cape

Synonyms: Noun (1)

Synonyms: Noun (2)

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First Known Use of cape

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1758, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for cape

Noun (1)

Middle English cap, from Anglo-French cape, from Old Occitan cap, from Latin caput head — more at head

Noun (2)

probably from Spanish capa cloak, from Late Latin cappa head covering, cloak

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Time Traveler for cape

Time Traveler

The first known use of cape was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Cape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cape. Accessed 12 Jul. 2020.

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More Definitions for cape

cape

noun
\ ˈkāp How to pronounce cape (audio) \

Kids Definition of cape

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a point of land that juts out into the sea or into a lake

cape

noun

Kids Definition of cape (Entry 2 of 2)

: a sleeveless garment worn so as to hang over the shoulders, arms, and back

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More from Merriam-Webster on cape

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cape

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with cape

Spanish Central: Translation of cape

Nglish: Translation of cape for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of cape for Arabic Speakers

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