Canopus

noun

Ca·​no·​pus kə-ˈnō-pəs How to pronounce Canopus (audio)
: a star of the first magnitude in the constellation Carina not visible north of 37° latitude

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek Kanōpos

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Canopus was in 1555

Rhymes for Canopus

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Browse Nearby Words

canopic jar
Canopus
canopy
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Cite this Entry

“Canopus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Canopus. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Canopus

noun
Ca·​no·​pus kə-ˈnō-pəs How to pronounce Canopus (audio)
: a very bright star not visible north of 37° latitude

Geographical Definition

Canopus

geographical name

Ca·​no·​pus kə-ˈnō-pəs How to pronounce Canopus (audio)
ancient city of northern Egypt east of Alexandria at modern Abu Qir
Canopic
kə-ˈnō-pik How to pronounce Canopus (audio)
-ˈnä-
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on Canopus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Canopus

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