cape

1 of 3

noun (1)

often attributive
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

2 of 3

noun (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

cape

3 of 3

verb

caped; caping; capes
1
intransitive : to act as a defender or supporter
usually used with for
[Billie] Eilish, for one, has been caping for the environment for years now, decreeing Gen-Z the saviors of the earth …Brenna Ehrlich
… the players are caping for [Mike] Pegues [basketball coach] and the rest of the staff, and admitting their role in Louisville's struggles to open the season.Matthew McGavic
2
transitive : to remove the head and the hide of an animal for preserving or mounting as a trophy
For a shoulder mount, most won't be comfortable with caping the deer without risking damage, so it's best to then take it to a professional taxidermist.kdvr.com
often used with out
There are different methods for caping an animal out, but the general idea is to remove the skin from the upper half of the body in a single piece.Eric Barker

Examples of cape in a Sentence

Noun (1) residents fled the cape as the hurricane roared up the coast Noun (2) the mysterious figure wrapped his cape tightly around his shoulders
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
During this time, the designer cultivated a signature look—body-conscious gowns that were often covered in dazzling crystals and sequins, and punctuated with fabulous feather boas or capes. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 5 Dec. 2024 Joe Burrow is ready to sport a different kind of uniform — one with a suit and cape. Shyla Watson, People.com, 5 Dec. 2024
Verb
Rachael's scandal became even more of a major news story after Chris Harrison decided to use his platform to cape for her while simultaneously belittling former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay. Ineye Komonibo, refinery29.com, 26 Feb. 2021 See how the people came together to cape for Labelle’s legacy below. Keyaira Boone, Essence, 26 Nov. 2020 See all Example Sentences for cape 

Word History

Etymology

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

Verb

derivative of cape entry 2, in sense 1 alluding to the cape worn by superheros such as Superman who defend the innocent; in sense 2 alluding to the shape of the hide cut in this manner

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1758, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1957, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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

Dictionary Entries Near cape

Cite this Entry

“Cape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cape. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

cape

1 of 2 noun
: a point of land that extends out into the sea or a lake

cape

2 of 2 noun
: a sleeveless garment worn so as to hang over the shoulders, arms, and back
Etymology

Noun

Middle English cap "cape, point of land," derived from an early Occitan word cap (same meaning), from Latin caput "head" — related to capital

Noun

probably from Spanish capa "cloak," from Latin cappa "head covering, cloak" — related to cap, chapel, chaperon, cope entry 1, escape

More from Merriam-Webster on cape

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