canon law

noun

: the usually codified law governing a church

Examples of canon law in a Sentence

a marriage valid under Catholic canon law

Recent Examples on the Web

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re's rise to influence within the Vatican Re was ordained for the Diocese of Brescia in 1957 and holds a doctorate in canon law from Rome's Pontifical Gregorian University, according to his Vatican biography. —Christopher Cann, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025

This period, governed by strict canon law, triggers a sequence of events designed to both honor the deceased pope and prepare for the election of a new pontiff. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025

There is no provision in canon law for what to do if a pope becomes incapacitated. —Nicole Winfield and Silvia Stellacci, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2025

However, there is no formal provision in canon law for an incapacitated pope, and there are no current signs that Francis is unable to govern. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for canon law

• allantois
• baccarat
• chickasaw
• mackinaw
• overawe
• oversaw
• quebecois
• yojana
• aa
• aha
• bashaw
• bradshaw

Kids Definition

canon law

noun

: the body of religious laws that govern a church

Legal Definition

canon law

noun

: a body of religious law governing the conduct of members of a particular faith

especially : the codified church law of the Roman Catholic Church

Note: Common law has been influenced by canon law in the areas of marriage and inheritance. Roman Catholic canon law, like the civil law, has been modeled on ancient Roman law. The source for Roman Catholic canon law is the Code of Canon Law. The Rudder (Pedalion) is a source for Greek Orthodox canon law. Jewish canon law is contained in the Talmud.