noun
canon
noun
1
A collection of works or rules officially accepted as genuine or authoritative, such as the accepted body of a writer's work or a set of religious texts.
"Shakespeare's plays form part of the Western literary canon."
"Fans debated whether the new film was part of the official movie canon."
2
A clergyman who serves on the staff of a cathedral.
"The canon led the morning service in the absence of the dean."
How to Use Canon
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn officially accepted body of work or rules, or a type of cathedral clergyman.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "cannon" (the weapon) — they sound identical but mean completely different things.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
literary canon
canon law
part of the canon
Word Forms
canons plural, Canons plural
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Shakespeare's plays form part of the Western literary _____.
Etymology
From Latin canonicus, ultimately from Greek kanon, "rule" or "standard."