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 clergyperson 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

There was a return to the canonical pieces that define our favorites. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 23 June 2026

Yet there is nothing eternal or canonical or irreversible about this system. — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026

To then spit out convincing, canonical answers about every fact ever. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026

The canonical examples are handmade luxury items like Hermès bags. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 23 June 2026

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