What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cage
Example
The zookeeper put the lion in its cage for the night. [cage: noun]
Example
She cages her pet bird when she leaves the house. [cages: verb]
cell
Example
He spent years in a tiny prison cell for his crimes. [cell: noun]
Example
The human body is made up of trillions of cells. [cells: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cage is more commonly used than cell in everyday language, especially when talking about animals. Cell is more commonly used in scientific or specialized contexts, such as biology or architecture.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cage and cell?
Both cage and cell can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, cell may be more commonly used in formal or scientific settings due to its broader range of meanings.