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

Think crispy prawn toast on Chinese donuts and sugarcane beef wrapped in betel leaves. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025

While waiting, diners sip fresh sugarcane juice and can uncork their BYOB (wine and Champagne only, no corkage fee) at communal tables. —Melissa Malamut, Travel + Leisure, 11 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

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