canon
Canon (noun) means 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. Example: “Critics argued over which of the poet's late poems truly belonged in the 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.
"Critics argued over which of the poet's late poems truly belonged in the canon."
"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 of the cathedral welcomed pilgrims at the west door every morning."
"She was introduced to the canon who looks after the cathedral's choir."
"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
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Word forms
- Plural
- canons
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Critics argued over which of the poet's late poems truly belonged in the _____.
Etymology
From Latin canonicus, ultimately from Greek kanon, "rule" or "standard."
Related words
Rhymes for canon
See all rhymes for canon →Frequently asked questions
What does “canon” mean?
The word “canon” means 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. In plain terms, an officially accepted body of work or rules, or a type of cathedral clergyman.
How do you use “canon” in a sentence?
Here is “canon” used in a sentence: “Shakespeare's plays form part of the Western literary canon.”
What part of speech is “canon”?
“Canon” is a noun.
Where does the word “canon” come from?
The word “canon” comes from Latin. From Latin canonicus, ultimately from Greek kanon, "rule" or "standard.".
Is “canon” a common word?
“Canon” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “canon” have?
“Canon” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: 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.
What is the difference between "canon" and "cannon"?
A "canon" with one N is an accepted body of works or rules, or a clergyman on a cathedral's staff; a "cannon" with two Ns is a large gun. They sound alike but are unrelated in meaning, and mixing up the spelling is a common mistake.
Is "canon" only a religious word?
No. "Canon" has several senses: an accepted set of religious texts or church laws, a clergyman who serves at a cathedral, and, more broadly, the accepted body of a writer's work or any set of authoritative rules.
