cape cod canal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Geographical, Technical
Quick answer
What does “cape cod canal” mean?
A man-made waterway in Massachusetts, USA, connecting Cape Cod Bay to Buzzards Bay, allowing ships to avoid the dangerous waters around the outer Cape.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A man-made waterway in Massachusetts, USA, connecting Cape Cod Bay to Buzzards Bay, allowing ships to avoid the dangerous waters around the outer Cape.
A specific geographical and navigational feature, often referenced in maritime contexts, regional history, tourism, and engineering discussions about canals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The term is specific to a US location, so it is far more common in American English.
Connotations
In American English, it connotes regional history, engineering, and maritime navigation. In British English, it is primarily recognized as a specific foreign geographical feature.
Frequency
Extremely rare in British English outside of specific contexts like geography, history, or sailing discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “cape cod canal” in a Sentence
[Ship/Vehicle] + [verb of motion] + through/over/across + the Cape Cod CanalVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cape cod canal” in a Sentence
adjective
American English
- The Cape Cod Canal route is popular with cyclists.
- We studied Cape Cod Canal history.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in tourism, maritime logistics, or regional development.
Academic
Used in geography, history, and civil engineering papers.
Everyday
Used by locals and visitors in Massachusetts and maritime enthusiasts.
Technical
Used in navigation charts, maritime guides, and engineering reports.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cape cod canal”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cape cod canal”
- Using lower case ('cape cod canal').
- Omitting 'Cape' ('Cod Canal').
- Incorrect preposition ('in the Cape Cod Canal' instead of 'through the Cape Cod Canal').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a man-made canal, constructed in the early 20th century.
Swimming is prohibited due to strong currents, commercial vessel traffic, and potential safety hazards.
It connects Cape Cod Bay (to the north) and Buzzards Bay (to the south).
There is no toll for recreational vessels. Commercial vessels may be subject to fees administered by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
A man-made waterway in Massachusetts, USA, connecting Cape Cod Bay to Buzzards Bay, allowing ships to avoid the dangerous waters around the outer Cape.
Cape cod canal is usually formal, geographical, technical in register.
Cape cod canal: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkeɪp ˌkɒd kəˈnæl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkeɪp ˌkɑːd kəˈnæl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the shape of Cape Cod like a flexed arm; the Canal cuts across the 'bicep', providing a shortcut for boats.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SHORTCUT IS A CUT (through land).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of the Cape Cod Canal?