noun Uncommon

canopy

KA-nuh-pee

Canopy (noun) means a covering suspended or supported above something, such as a bed or entrance. Example: “The four-poster bed had a canopy draped in soft linen.”

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.

noun

A covering suspended or supported above something, such as a bed or entrance.

"The four-poster bed had a canopy draped in soft linen."

The upper layer of branches and leaves in a forest.

"Sunlight barely reached the forest floor through the dense canopy."

"Researchers built a walkway high in the rainforest canopy."

The transparent covering over an aircraft cockpit, or the fabric part of a parachute.

"The pilot slid the canopy shut before takeoff."

verb

To cover something as if with a canopy.

"Old oak trees canopied the narrow lane."

How to use canopy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn overhead covering, whether over a bed, a forest, or a cockpit.

Common pairings

forest canopy canopy bed aircraft canopy

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like canopy.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

canopied past tense, canopies plural, canopies singular

Test yourself on “canopy” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The four-poster bed had a _____ draped in soft linen.

Etymology

From Old French conopé, ultimately from Ancient Greek konopeion, "mosquito net" — the original canopies were nets hung over beds to keep insects away.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Rhymes for canopy

copy loopy poopy jalopy Snoopy droopy entropy photocopy colonoscopy philanthropy

See all rhymes for canopy →

Frequently asked questions

What does “canopy” mean?

The word “canopy” means a covering suspended or supported above something, such as a bed or entrance. In plain terms, an overhead covering, whether over a bed, a forest, or a cockpit.

How do you pronounce “canopy”?

“Canopy” is pronounced KA-nuh-pee (/ˈkæ.nə.pi/ in IPA).

How do you use “canopy” in a sentence?

Here is “canopy” used in a sentence: “The four-poster bed had a canopy draped in soft linen.”

What part of speech is “canopy”?

Depending on how it is used, “canopy” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “canopy” come from?

The word “canopy” comes from Ancient Greek. From Old French conopé, ultimately from Ancient Greek konopeion, "mosquito net" — the original canopies were nets hung over beds to keep insects away.

Is “canopy” a common word?

“Canopy” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “canopy” have?

“Canopy” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a covering suspended or supported above something, such as a bed or entrance.

Featured in

Vocabulary lists that include canopy:

Words with Greek origins