Cap (noun) — an item people wear on their heads to protect themselves from the hot sun. Policemen, pilots, and others can also wear them as a part of their uniform.
How to Pronounce “Cap”?
Audio (UK):
Audio (US):
Here is only one vowel to pronounce, so make it clear. The term is similar to “map.”
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How to Use “Cap” in a Sentence?
Looking for the meaning of “cap” you definitely need to see how people use this word in real-world conversations.
What Are Synonyms for the Word “Cap”?
Speaking or messaging without knowing the synonyms for “cap” can be quite boring. Here are the words to use instead.
Related nouns: hat head top cover
Synonyms (contextual): none, it is a specific noun
Common collocations: style a cap wear a cap beautiful cap
“Cap” Word Formation and Description in Context
You can rarely use this term without adding other parts of speech, so let’s move to the collocations that are common for native speakers.
With adjectives: red cap old cap brand new cap
With verbs: choose a cap buy a cap throw a cap
With nouns (noun + noun): cap size cap logo shower cap
Idioms and Interesting Phrases with “Cap”
English has some odd expressions with this word. Worth knowing if you want to sound fluent.
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A feather in one’s cap — something impressive (action) that others will respect.
Landing that client was quitea feather in her cap at work. -
Put on your thinking cap — focus hard, usually on solving something tricky.
We have a deadline tomorrow. Everyoneput on your thinking caps . -
Cap in hand — going to ask someone for something, feeling a bit embarrassed about it.
After losing his 10th pen this week, he had to gocap in hand to his classmate.
Test Your Knowledge of “Cap” Meaning
Three quick questions to challenge your vocabulary. No peeking above.
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“Cap” Word in Other Languages
How to say “cap” when you visit Germany, Spain or France?
| Language | Word for “Cap” |
|---|---|
Spanish |
Gorra |
French |
Casquette |
German |
Kappe |
Did You Know It? Fun Facts About “Cap”
Bits of cap history that might surprise you.
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Brooklyn baseball players started wearing caps with brims back in 1860.
They needed something to block the glare while tracking fly balls. Straw hats were no longer practical because their shape did not protect players’ eyes during games. -
The backwards cap trend exploded in the early 90s.
Rappers popularized the look first, and later Ken Griffey Jr. wore his cap backwards during real baseball games. Some parents disapproved, kids loved it — and the style never really disappeared. -
One collector paid half a million dollars for a single cap.
The cap once belonged to Babe Ruth and was worn during a 1934 game. Even today, that price sounds unreal, even to serious sports memorabilia collectors. -
Caps became symbols of identity, not just sports gear.
Over time, caps started representing teams, cities, music scenes and personal style, turning a simple accessory into a strong cultural statement.
Famous Quotes Featuring “Cap”
Let’s check famous people talking about caps in their own words.
— Ken Griffey Jr.
Explanation: This name sounds familiar (you read it before), so for him it wasn’t about fashion trends or looking cool. The backwards cap became part of his identity.
— Tommy Shaw
Explanation: Life isn’t just about play — you need to use your brain too.
Explanation: It feels like putting on a special hat lets you dream or escape reality. It also has a reference to “Alice in Wonderland.”
