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.
Cane sugar is derived from the natural byproduct of sugarcane − a tall, perennial, tropical grass from which liquid is extracted to create sugar. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 18 July 2025 The Real McCoy rum features aromas of vanilla, toasted coconut, and fresh sugarcane. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 Second, sugarcane is more effective at sequestering carbon than corn. Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 16 June 2025 The group said González had been accused of burning a sugarcane field with no evidence. Miami Herald, 11 July 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

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Cite this Entry

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