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

Crouch used a canonical children’s fantasy movie as allegory for the the legal hurdles the district faced in relation to the proposal to split. —Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2025

Perhaps aware of the canonical nature of Baraka’s play and the pressures that come with adapting it, Gaines fashions The Dutchman as a meta-narrative. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2025

This is one of the canonical films of Alfred Hitchcock. —Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2025

Marvel comics, meanwhile, established a canonical framework for the Steve Rogers–Sam Wilson handoff in 2012 and more generally provides a rich tableau of heroes switching names, costumes, even power sets. —Chris Lee, Vulture, 24 Feb. 2025

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