# Cate

/ˈkeɪt/ (US) · /kˈeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

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

## Definition

a choice or delicious piece of food. It is an old-fashioned word for a special treat.

For teachers: a choice food; a delicacy. Often used in the plural to refer to a collection of dainty or luxurious food items.

## Examples

- The table was covered in every sweet cate you could imagine.
- The royal banquet featured rare cates brought from the furthest reaches of the empire to impress the visiting dignitaries.

## Usage notes

- Primarily archaic or literary; almost exclusively encountered in historical texts or poetry.

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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.