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

Some river locations have boat launches where participants are encouraged to bring their kayaks, paddle boards, canoes or motor boats (where appropriate) to access hard-to-reach coastlines. —Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2024

The two-time world champion in canoe sprint won Olympic gold at 19 in Tokyo. —Aimee Berg, Outside Online, 31 July 2024

Verb

Paint yourself into the scenery today by kayaking or canoeing the Delaware River thanks to Bucks County River Country rentals. —Jackie Caradonio, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2024

Embracing the Water in Catskills There’s kayaking, stand up paddle board and canoeing in the Catskills, but for those looking for something a little different there’s also the Hobie Mirage Eclipse a unique way to experience the water. —Judy Koutsky, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2024

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

1555, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1794, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

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