What does "cane" mean?

1. (walking stick) a long, thin stick that helps you walk if you are injured or elderly. 2. (the plant) the long, hollow stem of plants like bamboo or sugar. 3. (furniture material) strips of flexible wood used to make the seats or backs of chairs. 4. (to hit) to hit someone with a stick as a punishment. 5. (to do intensely) to do something very fast or with a lot of energy.

cane

n. · v.

US //ˈkeɪn// UK //kˈeɪn// cane

1 walking stick (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a long, thin stick that helps you walk if you are injured or elderly.

a sturdy, slender stick used as an aid to mobility or as a fashion accessory.

Example

After his knee surgery, he had to use a cane to get around the house.

Example

The elderly gentleman leaned heavily on his silver-topped cane as he navigated the uneven cobblestones of the old town square.
- walking stick
- staff
2 the plant (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the long, hollow stem of plants like bamboo or sugar.

the woody, often hollow or jointed stem of certain perennial grasses, such as bamboo or sugar cane.

Example

Workers spent the day in the fields cutting down the sugar cane.

Example

The plantation stretched for miles, with rows of tall cane swaying rhythmically in the tropical breeze.

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3 furniture material (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical

strips of flexible wood used to make the seats or backs of chairs.

split rattan or similar flexible plant material woven into wickerwork for furniture.

Example

The old wooden chair had a seat made of woven cane.

Example

The restorer spent hours meticulously replacing the damaged cane on the antique Victorian armchair to match the original pattern.
- rattan
- wicker
4 to hit (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to hit someone with a stick as a punishment.

to inflict corporal punishment by striking with a cane. Transitive; usually implies a formal or historical disciplinary context.

Example

In the past, teachers were allowed to cane students who misbehaved.

Example

Historical records indicate that the headmaster would cane any pupil found guilty of serious academic dishonesty.
5 to do intensely (v.)
C1 Advanced British English Slang

to do something very fast or with a lot of energy.

to perform an action with great speed, intensity, or competence. Often used in the context of driving or sports.

Example

He was really caning it down the motorway to get home on time.

Example

The team started caning the opposition in the second half, scoring three goals in quick succession.
- speed
- hammer

Origin

From Middle English cane, canne, from Old French cane (“sugar cane”), from Latin canna (“reed”), from Ancient Greek κάννα (kánna), from Akkadian 𒄀 (qanû, “reed”), from Sumerian 𒄀𒈾 (gi.na). Doublet of canna and kaneh. Related to channel and canal.