cache, cash

The words cache, cash sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. Why do cache, cash sound the same even though they are completely different words?

The answer is simple: cache, cash are homophones of the English language.

cache
  1. :: noun

    A hiding place used especially for storing provisions.

  2. :: noun

    A place for concealment and safekeeping, as of valuables.

  3. :: noun

    A store of goods or valuables concealed in a hiding place: maintained a cache of food in case of emergencies.

  4. :: noun

    Computer Science A fast storage buffer in the central processing unit of a computer. Also called cache memory.

cash
  1. :: noun

    Money in the form of bills or coins; currency.

  2. :: noun

    Payment for goods or services in currency or by check.

  3. :: verb-transitive

    To exchange for or convert into ready money: cash a check; cash in one's gambling chips.

  4. :: phrasal-verb

    cash in To withdraw from a venture by or as if by settling one's account.

Definitions from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition and Wordnik.

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About Homophones

Homophones (literally "same sound") are usually defined as words that share the same pronunciation, regardless of how they are spelled.

If they are spelled the same then they are also homographs (and homonyms); if they are spelled differently then they are also heterographs (literally "different writing").