English Reference
noun · verb

cache

n. · v.
US /ˈkæʃ/ UK /kˈæʃ/ cache UK spelling cache's, cache's, cached

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    n.a fast part of a computer's memory that stores data so it can be reached quickly.

    n.a hardware or software component that stores data so that future requests for that data can be served faster.

    Simple

    If the website is loading slowly, you might need to clear your browser's cache.

    In context

    The processor's performance is heavily dependent on the size and speed of its level-two cache.

    buffertemporary storage
  2. 02 C2 Proficiency Formal

    v.to hide or store something in a safe place for later.

    v.to place or store something in a concealed repository.

    Simple

    The squirrels cache nuts in various locations to survive the winter.

    In context

    The explorers decided to cache their heavy equipment at the base camp before attempting the final ascent.

Dobrindt said that last October Germany's domestic intelligence agency became aware of a possible weapons cache in the woods on the outskirts of Berlin.

BBC News· 21 Aug 2026

Inside the concreted blocks was an extraordinary cache of iron helmets.

ScienceDaily· 8 Jun 2026

From French cache (as used by French Canadian trappers to mean “hiding place for stores”), from the verb cacher (“to hide”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin French cache
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated