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

Bishop Vann graduated from the Angelicum in 1985 with a doctoral degree in canon law; Leo graduated two years later. —Staff Report, Oc Register, 8 Aug. 2025

Leo has a doctorate in the church’s canon law, which equips him for the task of ensuring existing church laws are applied to investigate cases and hold leaders accountable. —Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 11 May 2025

The edict was abrogated in 1918, according to canon law expert Edward Peters of Detroit’s Sacred Heart Major Seminary. —Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 4 May 2025

Citing canon law and the rule book of the Augustinians, Father Prevost lists offenses that might lead someone to be dismissed from the order. —Ruth Graham, New York Times, 22 May 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.