1
a(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
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)
caned; caning
1
: to beat with a cane
he sat in a professor's chair and caned sophomores for blowing spitballs—
H. L. Mencken
H. L. Mencken2
: to weave or furnish with cane
cane the seat of a chair
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.
Verb
In the past, some teachers would cane students who misbehaved.
Recent Examples on the Web
Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2025
But you cane experience a bit of Turner and Constable’s London by making a visit to the Royal Academy of Arts, where both artists studied, although Turner earned the Academy’s prestigious designation of Royal Academician in 1802; Constable was elected years later in 1829.
—Catherine Sabino, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
Lori Weisberg, The Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2025
The abolitionist Massachusetts senator Charles Sumner was caned nearly to death on the floor of the Senate in 1856.
—Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2019
See All Example Sentences for cane
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
In covert gatherings across California, raw goat or cow milk is mixed with cane alcohol and sugars to make pajaretes.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2025
But you cane experience a bit of Turner and Constable’s London by making a visit to the Royal Academy of Arts, where both artists studied, although Turner earned the Academy’s prestigious designation of Royal Academician in 1802; Constable was elected years later in 1829.
—Catherine Sabino, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
Furnishings vary from room to room, featuring different styles of settees, including some made from caning and wicker materials.
—Lori Weisberg, The Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2025
The abolitionist Massachusetts senator Charles Sumner was caned nearly to death on the floor of the Senate in 1856.
—Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2019
See All Example Sentences for cane
Cite this Entry
“Cane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cane. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cane
1 of 2 noun1
a
: a jointed plant stem that is usually slender and more or less flexible
b
: any of various tall woody grasses or reeds
especially
: sugarcane
2
cane
2 of 2 verb
caned; caning
1
: to beat with a cane
2
: to make with cane
cane the seat of a chair
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share