sugarcane

noun

sug·​ar·​cane ˈshu̇-gər-ˌkān How to pronounce sugarcane (audio)
: 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

Illustration of sugarcane

Examples of sugarcane in a Sentence

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.
Rum has come a long way since it was first distilled on sugarcane plantations in the Caribbean Island in the 17th century. Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 The first time, she was arrested for acting as an amateur publicist for laborers who were striking to protest unpaid wages at a sugarcane factory. Robin Wright, New Yorker, 26 May 2025 The Southland Water Resource Project is an unsolicited private venture among two sugarcane growers, U.S. Sugar and Florida Crystals, and the contracting firm Phillips & Jordan. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 21 May 2025 The focus shifted two years ago to the Lower Shire Valley, the country’s hotter, drier southern region, where the agriculture sector is looking to diversify from crops like sugarcane and tropical fruits. Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sugarcane

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sugarcane was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sugarcane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sugarcane. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

sugarcane

noun
sug·​ar·​cane ˈshu̇g-ər-ˌkān How to pronounce sugarcane (audio)
: a tall tropical grass that has a thick jointed stem and is widely grown in warm regions as a source of sugar
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!