canoe

1 of 2

noun

ca·​noe kə-ˈnü 

: a light narrow boat with both ends sharp that is usually propelled by paddling

canoe

2 of 2

verb

canoed; canoeing

transitive verb

: to transport in a canoe

also : to travel by canoe down (a river)

intransitive verb

: to go or travel in a canoe

canoeable

kə-ˈnü-ə-bəl 

adjective

canoeist

kə-ˈnü-ist 

noun

canoer

kə-ˈnü-ər 

noun

Examples of canoe in a Sentence

Verb

He canoed down the river to the camp.

They canoed part of the Colorado River this summer.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The group is working to increase access for canoes and kayaks on the creek, including into Indiana Dunes National Park. —Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026

The canoe slalom and kayak cross are scheduled for venues in Oklahoma City. —Lorraine Ali news, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026

Verb

What was originally designed as a stopover for travelers heading to Yellowstone today offers guests activities like horseback riding, hiking, and canoeing in the summer and snowmobiling, tubing, and ice fishing during the winter. —Julie Bielenberg, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026

Covering over 20,000 acres with open waterways, this lake is perfect for high-energy sports, such as water skiing, yet quieter areas allow for more peaceful activities like paddleboarding, sailing, and canoeing. —Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, from New Latin canoa, from Spanish, from Arawakan, of Cariban origin; akin to Carib kana:wa canoe

First Known Use

Noun

1541, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1732, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for canoe

• blew
• blue
• boo
• brew
• chew
• chou
• clue
• coo
• coup
• crew
• cue
• dew

Kids Definition

canoe

1 of 2 noun

ca·​noe kə-ˈnü 

: a long light narrow boat with pointed ends and curved sides that is usually moved by someone using a paddle

canoe

2 of 2 verb

canoed; canoeing

: to travel or carry in a canoe

canoeist

-ˈnü-əst 

noun