Definition

1. Noun:

   • A type of head covering: A soft, flat hat without a brim but often with a peak (visor).
   • A protective or sealing cover: A lid or top for a container, such as a bottle or pen.
   • An upper limit or maximum: A set restriction on an amount, number, or level.
   • The top or highest part of something: The natural covering or summit of an object, like a mountain or a mushroom.
   • A symbol of achievement or membership: A special hat or badge awarded, especially in sports (e.g., representing national team selection).

2. Verb:

   • To cover the top or end of something: To place or form a cap on something.
   • To set an upper limit: To restrict or place a maximum on something.
   • To surpass or outdo: To follow something with something better or more remarkable (often in storytelling or conversation).
   • To award a cap to a player: To select a player for a national or representative sports team.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • He wore a blue baseball cap. (He wore a blue soft hat with a peak.)
  • Please put the cap back on the bottle. (Please replace the lid on the bottle.)
  • The government imposed a price cap on essential goods. (The government set a maximum price for essential goods.)
  • We reached the snow cap of the mountain. (We reached the snowy summit of the mountain.)
  • The striker earned his first international cap last year. (The striker was selected to play for his national team for the first time last year.)

• Verb:

  • Clouds capped the distant hills. (Clouds covered the tops of the distant hills.)
  • The committee decided to cap spending for the project. (The committee decided to set a maximum limit on spending for the project.)
  • After his amazing story, she capped it with an even funnier one. (After his amazing story, she followed it with an even funnier one.)
  • He was capped for England ten times. (He was selected to play for the England national team on ten occasions.)

Advanced Usage

• "To cap it all (off)": Used to introduce the final and often worst or best item in a list of events.

  • It rained, the car broke down, and then, to cap it all, I lost my keys. (It rained, the car broke down, and then, as the final bad event, I lost my keys.)

• "If the cap fits, (wear it)": A saying meaning if a critical remark applies to you, you should accept it.

  • I wasn't talking about anyone in particular, but if the cap fits... (I wasn't targeting anyone, but if you feel the criticism applies to you, then it might.)

Variants and Related Words

• Capable (adj): Having the ability or quality necessary to do something. (Note: This is a distinct word derived from a different Latin root, but often associated in learning.)
• Capital (n/adj): (1) The most important city of a country; (2) Wealth in the form of money or assets; (3) Excellent, first-rate.
• Capping (n): The act of placing a limit or cover on something.

Synonyms

• Noun (Hat): Hat, beanie.
• Noun (Lid): Lid, top, cover.
• Noun (Limit): Limit, ceiling, maximum.
• Verb (Cover): Top, cover, crown.
• Verb (Limit): Limit, restrict, curb.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Cap off: To finish or complete something, often in a notable way.
  • They capped off the evening with a fireworks display. (They finished the evening with a fireworks display.)

Related Idioms

• A feather in one's cap: An achievement to be proud of.
  • Winning the award was a real feather in her cap. (Winning the award was a significant achievement for her.)
• To set one's cap at someone (old-fashioned): To try to attract someone as a marriage partner.
  • In the novel, it was clear she had set her cap at the young doctor. (In the novel, it was clear she was trying to win the affection of the young doctor.)

Noun

1. the upper part of a column that supports the entablature
2. (dentistry) dental appliance consisting of an artificial crown for a broken or decayed tooth
   • tomorrow my dentist will fit me for a crown
3. an upper limit on what is allowed
   • he put a ceiling on the number of women who worked for him
   • there was a roof on salaries
   • they established a cap for prices
4. a protective covering that is part of a plant
5. a fruiting structure resembling an umbrella or a cone that forms the top of a stalked fleshy fungus such as a mushroom
6. something serving as a cover or protection
7. a mechanical or electrical explosive device or a small amount of explosive; can be used to initiate the reaction of a disrupting explosive
8. a top (as for a bottle)
9. a tight-fitting headdress

Verb

1. restrict the number or amount of
   • We had to cap the number of people we can accept into our club
2. lie at the top of
   • Snow capped the mountains