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

In a manner that feels prototypical of the plant’s subsequent valorization across other cultures, the cucumber makes an appearance in the Rigveda, an ancient collection of Sanskrit hymns belonging to the canonical Hindu tradition. —Andrés Muedano, JSTOR Daily, 25 Mar. 2026

Nebula, entirely unblurred canonical version of the video; YouTube, absolutely not. —Jennifer Maas, Variety, 23 Mar. 2026

Women watching The Gospel of John’s description of Mary Magdalene’s actions aligns with the other canonical Gospels’ portrayal of women who followed Jesus. —Mary Foskett, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026

For more information about canonical metadata, refer to this Google SEO link. —Renee Dudley, ProPublica, 18 Mar. 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