# cape

/ˈkeɪp/ (US) · /kˈeɪp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cape
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. clothing

noun · CEFR B1

a piece of clothing without sleeves that you wear over your shoulders and fasten at the neck.

For teachers: a sleeveless outer garment that fastens at the neck and hangs loosely over the shoulders and back.

- The magician wore a long black cape that flowed behind him as he walked.
- The costume designer opted for a heavy velvet cape to emphasize the character's royal status during the coronation scene.

### 2. geography

noun · CEFR B2

a piece of land that sticks out into a sea, ocean, or lake.

For teachers: a point or extension of land jutting out into a body of water; a promontory or headland.

- The lighthouse was built on the edge of the cape to warn ships of the rocks.
- Navigating around the southern cape proved treacherous for early explorers due to the unpredictable currents and frequent storms.

### 4. superhero

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

a word for a superhero, because many of them wear capes.

For teachers: a metonymic term for a superhero, derived from the common costume element.

- The city is full of capes trying to stop the bank robbery.
- In this gritty reimagining of the genre, the capes are often more dangerous than the criminals they pursue.

### 5. to defend someone

verb · CEFR C1 · Slang · American English

to defend or support someone, especially when other people are criticizing them.

For teachers: to vigorously defend or advocate for a person or cause, often one that is considered unworthy of such defense.

- I don't know why you are caping for that celebrity after what they did.
- Social media users were quick to criticize the journalist for caping for the politician during the controversial interview.

Usage: often used with the preposition 'for'

## Examples

- The ship sailed around the cape to reach the harbor.
- The lighthouse stands on the edge of the cape to warn ships about the dangerous rocks below.
- Early explorers often struggled to navigate around the southern cape due to the unpredictable currents and violent storms that characterize the meeting of two oceans.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.