noun
Common
canvas
KAN-vuhs
Canvas (noun) means a heavy, coarse woven fabric traditionally made from hemp or cotton, used for sails, tents, and painting surfaces. Example: “Sailors patched the torn sail with a strip of strong canvas.”
noun
1
A heavy, coarse woven fabric traditionally made from hemp or cotton, used for sails, tents, and painting surfaces.
"Sailors patched the torn sail with a strip of strong canvas."
"The artist stretched a fresh canvas before starting the portrait."
"The old tent was made of thick canvas."
2
A painting itself, or figuratively, a basis or backdrop for creative work.
"The gallery hung a huge canvas of a stormy sea in the main hall."
"For a poet, an empty page is a canvas waiting for words."
"The city became a canvas for the muralist's imagination."
verb
1
To cover something with canvas.
"They canvased the boat deck to protect it from rain."
How to use canvas
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSturdy woven cloth, especially the kind used for tents, sails, or paintings.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "canvass" (to seek support or opinions) — canvas is the cloth, canvass is the action.
Common pairings
stretch a canvas
canvas tent
canvas bag
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Word forms
- Plural
- canvases, canvasses
- Third person singular
- canvases
- Past tense
- canvased
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Sailors patched the torn sail with a strip of strong _____.
Etymology
From Old Northern French canevas, ultimately from Latin cannabis, "hemp." A doublet of "cannabis."
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “canvas” mean?
The word “canvas” means a heavy, coarse woven fabric traditionally made from hemp or cotton, used for sails, tents, and painting surfaces. In plain terms, sturdy woven cloth, especially the kind used for tents, sails, or paintings.
How do you pronounce “canvas”?
“Canvas” is pronounced KAN-vuhs (/ˈkænvəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “canvas” in a sentence?
Here is “canvas” used in a sentence: “The artist stretched a fresh canvas before starting the portrait.”
What part of speech is “canvas”?
Depending on how it is used, “canvas” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “canvas” come from?
The word “canvas” comes from Latin. From Old Northern French canevas, ultimately from Latin cannabis, "hemp." A doublet of "cannabis.".
Is “canvas” a common word?
“Canvas” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “canvas” have?
“Canvas” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a heavy, coarse woven fabric traditionally made from hemp or cotton, used for sails, tents, and painting surfaces.
What is the difference between "canvas" and "canvass"?
"Canvas" with one s is a heavy woven fabric or a painting surface, as in "a canvas tent." "Canvass" with two s's is a verb meaning to seek votes, opinions, or support, as in "canvass the neighbourhood." They sound alike but are different words.
What is canvas fabric traditionally made from?
Canvas is a heavy, coarse woven fabric traditionally made from hemp or cotton. Its strength has long made it suitable for sails, tents, and painting surfaces.
What everyday items are made from canvas?
Because canvas is strong and hard-wearing, it is used for sails, tents, bags, and shoes, as well as the stretched surfaces artists paint on. Its durability makes it popular wherever a tough fabric is needed.
