cannula

noun

can·​nu·​la ˈkan-yə-lə How to pronounce cannula (audio)
plural cannulas or cannulae ˈkan-yə-ˌlē How to pronounce cannula (audio)
-ˌlī
: a small tube for insertion into a body cavity or into a duct or vessel

Examples of cannula in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His wife and daughter are at his side; a cannula is delivering oxygen into his nose. Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2026 First the femoral artery line, next the catheter, then the many cannulas, and finally the spinal tap. David Freyne, Time, 7 Dec. 2025 The pump delivers insulin through a tiny tube under the skin called a cannula. Dr. Brittany Bruggeman, Boston Herald, 16 Nov. 2025 The cannula has widened the wounds made by the punch. Mary Roach, Wired News, 10 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cannula

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, diminutive of canna reed — more at cane

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cannula was in 1616

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cannula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cannula. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.

Medical Definition

cannula

noun
can·​nu·​la
variants also canula
plural cannulas or cannulae -ˌlē, -ˌlī How to pronounce cannula (audio)
: a small tube for insertion into a body cavity, duct, or vessel
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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