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

Among the most urgent questions discussed during the episode: Which should be considered the canonical Sly & The Family Stone LP, Stand! —Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 19 June 2025

All of the canonical archvillains are swapped out with an entirely different rogues’ gallery. —Luke Winkie, Vulture, 18 June 2025

From the impromptu decision to put Jenna (Jennifer Garner) in her now-iconic Versace mini dress in 13 Going on 30 to the meticulous color testing behind Vivian's (Julia Roberts) unforgettable red gown in Pretty Woman, these canonical looks all have histories worth remembering. —James Mercadante, EW.com, 17 June 2025

While the literary property had generated a 1902 Broadway musical and three silent films before Victor Fleming’s canonical screen retelling, McHale devotes much of the first half to the MGM movie, particularly in terms of the blurred lines separating Garland from Dorothy. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 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