sugarcane

noun

sug·​ar·​cane ˈshu̇-gər-ˌkān How to pronounce sugarcane (audio)
: a stout tall perennial grass (Saccharum officinarum) native to tropical southeast Asia that has a large terminal panicle and is widely grown in warm regions as a source of sugar

Illustration of sugarcane

Illustration of sugarcane

Examples of sugarcane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The land was fit for sugarcane fields, but little else. — Literary Hub, 16 June 2026 And then, there’s poncha, a mix of sugarcane rum, honey, and lemon or orange juice. — Chadner Navarro, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026 The country is the world’s largest producer and user of sugarcane ethanol and has spent decades building infrastructure for ethanol production, storage, and transportation. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 June 2026 This is essentially the Philippines’ lambanog, tuba distilled, with a high alcohol proof and a bite like rustic sugarcane alcohol. — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sugarcane

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sugarcane was in the 15th century

Rhymes for sugarcane

See All Rhymes for sugarcane

Browse Nearby Words

sugar-candy
sugarcane
sugarcane beetle
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sugarcane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sugarcane. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sugarcane

noun
sug·​ar·​cane ˈshu̇g-ər-ˌkān How to pronounce sugarcane (audio)
: a tall tropical grass that has a thick jointed stem and is widely grown in warm regions as a source of sugar
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