cable

¹ American  

[key-buhl] / ˈkeɪ bəl /

noun

1. a heavy, strong rope.

2. a very strong rope made of strands of metal wire, as used to support cable cars or suspension bridges.

3. a cord of metal wire used to operate or pull a mechanism.

4. Nautical.

   1. a thick hawser made of rope, strands of metal wire, or chain.

   2. cable's length.

5. Electricity. an insulated electrical conductor, often in strands, or a combination of electrical conductors insulated from one another.

6. cablegram.

7. cable television.

8. cable-stitch.

9. Architecture. one of a number of reedings set into the flutes of a column or pilaster.

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verb (used with object)

cabled, cabling

1. to send (a message) by cable.

2. to send a cablegram to.

3. to fasten with a cable.

4. to furnish with a cable.

5. to join (cities, parts of a country, etc.) by means of a cable television network.

   The state will be completely cabled in a few years.

verb (used without object)

cabled, cabling

1. to send a message by cable.

2. to cable-stitch.

Cable ² American  

[key-buhl] / ˈkeɪ bəl /

noun

1. George Washington, 1844–1925, U.S. novelist and short-story writer.

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cable British  

/ ˈkeɪbəl /

noun

1. a strong thick rope, usually of twisted hemp or steel wire

2. nautical an anchor chain or rope

3. 1. a unit of distance in navigation, equal to one tenth of a sea mile (about 600 feet)

   2. Also called: cable length.   cable's length.  a unit of length in nautical use that has various values, including 100 fathoms (600 feet)

4. a wire or bundle of wires that conducts electricity See also coaxial cable

   a submarine cable

5. Also called: overseas telegram.   international telegram.   cablegram.  a telegram sent abroad by submarine cable, radio, communications satellite, or by telephone line

6. See cable stitch

7. short for cable television

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verb

1. to send (a message) to (someone) by cable

2. (tr) to fasten or provide with a cable or cables

3. (tr) to supply (a place) with or link (a place) to cable television

Other Word Forms

• cablelike adjective
• recable verb
• uncabled adjective

Etymology

Origin of cable

1175–1225; Middle English, probably < Old North French *cable < Late Latin capulum lasso; compare Latin capulāre to rope, halter (cattle), akin to capere to take

Explanation

A cable can be a strong and thick hemp or steel rope, or a conductor for sending electrical or optical signals. Cable has a bunch of meanings — ranging from communication cables to steel cables. With new online services that stream your favorite show on demand, cable television may become a thing of the past. If your adventurous kids have convinced you to install a zip line, then you better find a steel cable. In the age of email, chances are you'll never have a reason to send someone an overseas cable.

Example Sentences

Nielsen had warned clients that its broadcast and cable TV figures could see a boost in the Gauge report that would cover February.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Two historic movie studios, several streaming services and dozens of cable channels would be brought under one roof.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

The pressure on consumers comes as the growth of streaming services has slowed, with much of it coming from viewers shifting over from cable rather than an actual expansion of the market.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

The Bottom Line: Private or state-owned companies hold the biggest market share in cable installation and repair.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

She goes to the TV cable truck and opens up the back double doors—but with no luck.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Related Words

• cord
• link
• rope
• wire