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cap
noun
A close-fitting head covering, either brimless or with a peak, worn for protection, warmth, or to indicate rank, occupation, or academic achievement. It can also refer to a protective lid or cover fitting over the top of something.
Etymology
Example
"The baseball player tipped his cap to acknowledge the cheering crowd."
Usage Notes
Cap is typically more casual than 'hat' and often implies functionality (e.g., baseball cap, swimming cap). In formal contexts, it can denote rank (military cap) or academic achievement (graduation cap/mortarboard). Common in compound words: bottle cap, lens cap. Its usage ranges from informal (baseball cap) to formal (academic cap). Must not be confused with 'cape' (cloak).