sugarcane

noun

sug·​ar·​cane ˈshu̇-gər-ˌkān 

: a stout tall perennial grass (Saccharum officinarum) native to tropical southeast Asia that has a large terminal panicle and is widely grown in warm regions as a source of sugar

Illustration of sugarcane

Examples of sugarcane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to Haschemie, a lab test revealed that the tequila contains ethanol that was not derived from Blue Weber agave, and instead from plants like corn and sugarcane. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2025

Rather than plastic, the bio-resin tube the product comes in is formulated from sugarcane waste. —Gabrielle Marchese, Outside, 28 Aug. 2025

Meanwhile, Cachaça distilleries hum with sugarcane and copper stills—as waterfalls tumble through rainforest trails just beyond town. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025

Puerto Rico served as an entry point to the Americas for Spanish colonizers, who, as early as the 16th century, profited off sugarcane and tobacco grown there. —Rebecca L. Rhoades, Saveur, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sugarcane

• aeroplane
• appertain
• ascertain
• capitaine
• cassegrain
• cellophane
• chatelaine
• counterpane
• entertain
• gethsemane
• halothane
• hurricane

Kids Definition

sugarcane

noun

sug·​ar·​cane ˈshu̇g-ər-ˌkān 

: a tall tropical grass that has a thick jointed stem and is widely grown in warm regions as a source of sugar