canonical

adjective

ca·​non·​i·​cal kə-ˈnä-ni-kəl 

1

: of, relating to, or forming a canon

canonical scriptures

2

: conforming to a general rule or acceptable procedure : orthodox

His proposals were generally accepted as canonical.

3

: of or relating to a clergyman who is a canon

4

: reduced to the canonical form

a canonical matrix

canonically

kə-ˈnä-ni-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of canonical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The most canonical theory of invisibility’s effect on behavior is perhaps the Ring of Gyges: the invisibility device mentioned in Plato’s Republic. —Katie Ebner-Landy, The New Yorker, 22 Feb. 2025

The source code shows that the site’s canonical tags direct search engines to x.com rather than DOGE.gov. —David Gilbert, WIRED, 13 Feb. 2025

Auro Montanari) included it in his canonical book Patek Philippe Steel Watches, thus cementing this specific 1518 as one of the most important in the world. —Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 5 Feb. 2025

The link between Copernicus and the tool mainly comes from the fact that it was found in Frombork, specifically in the canonical gardens where Copernicus spent much of his life. —Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 30 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see canon entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing canonical

• canonical form
• canonical hour

Rhymes for canonical

• ironical
• chronicle
• conical
• monocle

Kids Definition

canonical

adjective

ca·​non·​i·​cal kə-ˈnän-i-kəl 

1

: relating to or allowed by church law

2

: following a general rule or accepted procedure

canonically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb