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 (someone) 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
ABC News,
2 July 2026
Snappers, snakes, toy pistols with caps and toy canes with caps are the only fireworks allowed.
—
Rashad Alexander,
Kansas City Star,
30 June 2026
ABC News,
2 July 2026
Singapore’s education minister has confirmed that teachers are allowed to use caning to discipline unruly students in certain cases.
—
Jack Guy,
CNN Money,
6 May 2026
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
Aceh’s Sharia court ordered the two people to be whipped with a rattan cane 21 times each for kissing without being married.
—
ABC News,
2 July 2026
Snappers, snakes, toy pistols with caps and toy canes with caps are the only fireworks allowed.
—
Rashad Alexander,
Kansas City Star,
30 June 2026
Verb
Four other people were publicly caned on Thursday for online gambling and adultery.
—
ABC News,
2 July 2026
Singapore’s education minister has confirmed that teachers are allowed to use caning to discipline unruly students in certain cases.
—
Jack Guy,
CNN Money,
6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for cane
Cite this Entry
“Cane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cane. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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
