cape

A cape is a prominent point of land that extends into a sea or ocean, forming a headland that often marks a change in coastline direction. Capes are coastal landforms that can arise from resistant rock, differential erosion, or rising sea levels, and they frequently serve as navigational landmarks.

The presence of a cape can affect local weather and marine conditions by altering wind and current patterns and by projecting shelter or exposure along adjacent shores. Capes have historically been important for maritime navigation, leading to the construction of lighthouses, weather stations, and harbor facilities nearby.

Examples include Cape Cod in Massachusetts, Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, Cape Horn at the tip of South America, Cape Canaveral in Florida, Cape Leeuwin in Western Australia, and Cape St. Vincent in Portugal. Some capes are part of national borders, and others are popular tourist destinations.

Cape can also refer to a garment: a sleeveless outer garment that drapes over the shoulders and upper body, fastened at the neck or collar. Capes appear in historic and ceremonial dress as well as contemporary fashion and film costuming, and they vary in length, fabric, and ornamentation.