English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word canon in English

What does canon mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

canon

US /ˈkæn.ən/
UK /ˈkæn.ən/
"canon" picture

Noun

1.

a general law, rule, principle, or criterion by which something is judged

Example:
•
The decision was made according to the established canon of the organization.
•
He adheres strictly to the canons of good taste.
Synonym:
principle rule law criterion standard
2.

a collection or list of sacred books accepted as genuine

Example:
•
The biblical canon includes the Old and New Testaments.
•
Scholars debate the inclusion of certain texts in the literary canon.
Synonym:
corpus collection body of works scriptures texts
3.

the works of a writer that are accepted as authentic

Example:
•
Shakespeare's canon includes 37 plays.
•
Many literary critics study the author's entire canon.
Synonym:
corpus oeuvre works writings output
4.

a piece of music in which a melody is imitated by one or more parts at different intervals

Example:
•
Pachelbel's Canon in D is a very famous classical piece.
•
The choir sang a beautiful canon.
Synonym:
round fugue polyphony
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Related Word:
canonical canonize