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cane

noun
\ ˈkān How to pronounce cane (audio) \

Definition of cane

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1a(1) : a hollow or pithy, usually slender, and often flexible jointed stem (as of a reed or bamboo) a fishing pole made of cane
(2) : any of various slender woody stems especially : an elongated flowering or fruiting stem (as of a rose) usually arising directly from the ground
b : any of various tall woody grasses or reeds: such as
(1) : any of a genus (Arundinaria) of bamboo
(2) : sugarcane
(3) : sorghum
c : rattan sense 2b especially : split rattan for wickerwork or basketwork
2 : a stick typically of wood or metal with a usually curved handle at one end that is grasped to provide stability in walking or standing
3 : a rod or stick used for flogging
4 : a tiny glass rod used in decorative glasswork (as in millefiori and paperweights)

cane

verb
caned; caning

Definition of cane (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to beat with a cane he sat in a professor's chair and caned sophomores for blowing spitballs— H. L. Mencken
2 : to weave or furnish with cane cane the seat of a chair
Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about cane

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Synonyms for cane

Synonyms: Noun

bastinado (or bastinade), bat, baton, billy, billy club, bludgeon, club, cudgel, nightstick, rod, rung [Scottish], sap, shillelagh (also shillalah), staff, truncheon, waddy [Australian]

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Examples of cane in a Sentence

Noun

 In the past, some teachers would resort to the cane when students misbehaved. The chair seat is made of cane.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

 On Wednesday, Blair — who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) last year and now using a cane to walk — shared a photo of herself preparing to descend into the water. — Robyn Merrett, PEOPLE.com, "Selma Blair Jumps Naked into Pool as Payback to Her Son After He Previously Pushed Her In," 22 Aug. 2019 Those mobility issues have forced Selma to begin using a cane—and more recently, an Alinker Walking Bike—to help her get around more easily. — Amber Brenza, Health.com, "Selma Blair Reveals She’s Getting ‘Seemingly Sicker’ With MS in Emotional New Post," 18 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cane.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of cane

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Verb

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for cane

Noun

Middle English, from Middle French, from Old Occitan cana, from Latin canna, from Greek kanna, of Semitic origin; akin to Akkadian qanū reed, Hebrew qāneh

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More Definitions for cane

cane

noun
How to pronounce cane (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of cane

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a short stick that often has a curved handle and is used to help someone to walk
: a form of punishment in which a person is hit with a cane or stick
: the hard hollow stem of a plant (such as bamboo or reed) that is used to make furniture and baskets

cane

verb

English Language Learners Definition of cane (Entry 2 of 2)

: to hit (someone) with a cane or stick as a form of punishment

See the full definition for cane in the English Language Learners Dictionary

cane

noun
\ ˈkān How to pronounce cane (audio) \

Kids Definition of cane

1 : an often hollow, slender, and somewhat flexible plant stem
2 : a tall woody grass or reed (as sugarcane)

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