canoe

1 of 2

noun

ca·​noe kə-ˈnü How to pronounce canoe (audio)
: 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 adjective
canoeist noun
canoer 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
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.
Noun
Rustic decor includes a moose antler chandelier and a wooden canoe hung from the rafters, while huge windows allow plenty of natural light to flow through, and glass doors on either side of the fireplace lead to a spacious terrace with sweeping views over the rolling mountains. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2024 The trader, René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, headed south in a canoe with a team of explorers. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2024
Verb
Well, British adventurer Ben Kilner recently canoed the trip in one direction then triked it in the other, using the same amphibious vehicle for both legs of the journey. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2024 Other Russian athletes are represented in canoeing, cycling, gymnastics and swimming. Dan Sheldon, The Athletic, 27 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for canoe 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of canoe was in 1555

Dictionary Entries Near canoe

Cite this Entry

“Canoe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canoe. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

canoe

1 of 2 noun
ca·​noe kə-ˈnü How to pronounce canoe (audio)
: 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 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on canoe

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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