Canon

/ˈkæn.ən/ · noun

Meaning

A generally accepted principle; a rule..

Definitions by Sense

1. A generally accepted principle; a rule.
2. A group of literary works that are generally accepted as representing a field.
3. The works of a writer that have been accepted as authentic.
4. A eucharistic prayer, particularly the Roman Canon.
5. A religious law or body of law decreed by the church.
6. A catalogue of saints acknowledged and canonized in the Roman Catholic Church.
7. In monasteries, a book containing the rules of a religious order.
8. A piece of music in which the same melody is played by different voices, but beginning at different times; a round.

Example Sentences

The trial must proceed according to the canons of law.

Or that the Everlasting had not fixed His canon 'gainst self-slaughter.

Russo had been working as a salesman, selling Great Books of the Western World, hawking the canon to the rubes.

the durable canon of American short fiction

the entire Shakespearean canon

We must proceed according to canon law.

Pachelbel’s Canon has become very popular.

The lessees of public lands had to pay a perpetual rent or "canon" at some periodical time.

Synonyms for canon

Antonyms for canon

Related Words

Word Forms

• canons
• more canon
• most canon

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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