cape

cape — noun

1. a large area of land that reaches out from a coastline into the sea, often with

1.nounB2
Definition

a large area of land that reaches out from a coastline into the sea, often with a distinctive shape that makes it a landmark for sailors.

Example

The ship rounded the cape just before sunset to avoid the rocks.

rounded the cape — standard verb collocation for sailing past a cape

Leila grew up in a small fishing village on the cape of that southern island.

Common collocations
  • round a cape
  • the tip of a cape
  • on the cape
  • beyond the cape
Synonyms
  • headland

    a narrower, more sharply projecting piece of land; often higher and rockier than a cape

  • peninsula

    a larger landform connected to the mainland but surrounded by water on most sides; a cape is smaller

  • point

    the very tip or end of a cape or headland; used for smaller projections

Usage Note

Frequently capitalised in proper names of specific capes (e.g. the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Cod, Cape Town). When used on its own as 'the Cape', it usually refers to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.

Common Mistakes

We took a ferry to the cape of the river.
We took a ferry to the cape on the coast.
a cape is part of a coastline, not a river.
A cape is a small piece of sand by the beach.
A cape is a large piece of land that extends into the sea.
capes are large landforms, not small sandy areas.

2. an item of clothing without arm-covering sections, kept in place by a fastening

2.nounB1
Definition

an item of clothing without arm-covering sections, kept in place by a fastening around the throat and falling from the shoulders over the back, usually reaching somewhere between the elbow and the waist; worn for warmth, as part of a uniform, or as a costume accessory.

Example

Rashida wore a long red cape over her dress to the winter wedding.

The superhero's bright blue cape fluttered behind him as he ran across the rooftop.

superhero cape — very common cultural collocation

Common collocations
  • wear a cape
  • a red/black/blue cape
  • a superhero cape
  • a ceremonial cape
  • fasten a cape
Synonyms
  • cloak

    a longer, full-body outer garment with arm openings; capes are shorter and simpler

  • poncho

    a piece of clothing with a hole for the head, worn as a raincoat; a cape is not a rain garment by default

Usage Note

A cape differs from a cloak in that it is typically shorter (hanging from the shoulders to the elbow or waist rather than to the floor) and has no slits or holes for the arms — it simply drapes over the shoulders. Cloaks are longer, cover more of the body, and often have arm openings.

Common Mistakes

He put his arms through the sleeves of his cape.
He put on his cape over his shoulders, since it has no sleeves.
a cape is sleeveless by definition.

cape — verb

Word family

  • caped
    adjectiveB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four terms describe land that extends into water, but they differ in size and shape. A cape is a large, prominent piece of land jutting into the sea — typically broad and often important for navigation (e.g. the Cape of Good Hope). A peninsula is much larger: it is a landform nearly surrounded by water but still connected to the mainland; a cape may form the tip of a peninsula. A headland is usually narrower than a cape, with steeper cliffs and a more dramatic drop to the water. A point is the smallest of the four: it refers specifically to the narrow tip or end of a cape or headland. For example: 'The ship sailed around the cape, passed the rocky headland, and anchored near the point where the lighthouse stood.'

cape ↗peninsula ↗headland ↗point

Common collocations

Phrases

  • round the cape
  • the tip of the cape
  • wear a cape

Prepositions

  • around a cape
  • on the cape
  • beyond the cape
  • at the cape

Etymology

LatinSpanishFrenchEnglish

The word 'cape' entered English from French 'cape', which came from Spanish 'capa' and ultimately from Late Latin 'cappa', meaning a hooded cloak or head-covering. The two main modern meanings—'land cape' and 'clothing cape'—share this origin: a land cape was thought to look like a hood or cloak draped over the coastline. The verb sense 'to support' likely developed from the idea of 'covering' or 'shielding' someone, like a cape protects its wearer.