cable

ca-ble · noun, verb

imported

Definitions

noun, verb

  1. 1.

    A thick rope of wire or hemp used for construction, mooring ships, or towing.

  2. 2.

    To send a message by cable.

  3. 3.

    An insulated wire or bundle of wires for transmitting electricity or signals.

  4. 4.

    To provide with cable television or install cables.

  5. 5.

    A system for transmitting television programs by cable rather than by broadcast.

  6. 6.

    A cablegram; a message sent by undersea telegraph cable.

Forms

plural: cables

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    cable car — A vehicle suspended from a moving cable.
  • •
    cable TV — Television delivered by cable.
  • •
    cut the cable/cord — Cancel cable TV subscription.
  • •
    slip one's cable — (nautical slang) To die.

Related words

See also: cables, cord, television, wire
Synonyms: cord, line, rope, wire

Etymology

From Old French cable, from Late Latin capulum ("lasso, halter"), from Latin capere ("to take, seize"). First attested in the 13th century.