caber

American  

[key-ber] / ˈkeɪ bər /

noun

Scot.

cabers plural

1. a pole or beam, especially one thrown as a trial of strength.

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caber British  

/ ˈkeɪbə, ˈkebər /

noun

1. a heavy section of trimmed tree trunk thrown in competition at Highland games ( tossing the caber )

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• cabers
  plural

Etymology

Origin of caber

First recorded in 1505–15, caber is from the Scots Gaelic word cabar pole

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

caber cabers

Competitors took part in traditional games including tug-of-war and the caber toss, and enjoyed performances by bagpipers, drummers and dancers.

From BBC ● Sep. 7, 2024

They’ll be tossing the caber, blocking the jammer and doing whatever one does in calcio storico fiorentino in “Home Game,” a new docuseries about lesser-known sports from around the globe.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 19, 2020

He’s alive and swinging, despite the best intentions of Brienne and Arya, and breathing heavily, like every interesting character on “Game of Thrones” who carries a caber or defies death.

From The New Yorker ● Jun. 6, 2016

Although he plays up his roots by donning a kilt or tossing the caber - a Highland sport involving throwing a giant wooden pole - he has impeccable credentials as a German conservative.

From Reuters ● Jan. 15, 2013

The winner is he who tosses with the best and easiest style, according to old Highland traditions, and whose caber falls straightest in a direct line from him.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 4 "Bulgaria" to "Calgary" by Various

It is often brought upon the field heavier than can be thrown and then cut to suit the contestants, although sometimes cabers of different sizes are kept, each contestant taking his choice.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 4 "Bulgaria" to "Calgary" by Various