canopy

1 of 2

noun

can·​o·​py ˈka-nə-pē How to pronounce canopy (audio)
plural canopies
1
a
: a cloth covering suspended over a bed
b
: a cover (as of cloth) fixed or carried above a person of high rank or a sacred object : baldachin
A canopy hung over the altar.
c
: a protective covering: such as
(1)
: the uppermost spreading branchy layer of a forest
(2)
: awning, marquee
A canopy was erected over the grandstand.
2
: an ornamental rooflike structure
3
a
: the transparent enclosure over an airplane cockpit
b
: the fabric part of a parachute that catches the air

canopy

2 of 2

verb

canopied; canopying

transitive verb

: to cover with or as if with a canopy
Tall trees canopied the island.

Examples of canopy in a Sentence

Noun A canopy hung over the altar. trees line both sides of the garden path, with their foliage forming a leafy canopy for walkers
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Cedar Rapids has made the restoration of its tree canopy a priority since that storm, called a derecho, and will receive $6 million in funding through the new grants. Scott McFettridge, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2023 Enter Email Sign Up This year, there has certainly been adequate precipitation in New England, meaning the canopy is thick and full. Dave Epstein, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Sep. 2023 The reserve has its own zip-lining course amidst a canopy of mango and mahogany trees and is the starting point for the trek to the summit of Pic Paradis. Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 4 Sep. 2023 In their native habitat, they can be found perched high above the ground: in a canopy of trees, on rocky cliffs, anchored to a cactus, or draped from the branches of a cypress or live oak. Jennifer Dixon, Detroit Free Press, 1 Sep. 2023 Prior studies indicate that canopy shape and certain leaf characteristics — such as size and thickness — make some trees better adapted to cope with hotter temperatures. Dorany Pineda, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2023 The custom bed canopy is in a Busatti linen with Samuel & Sons fringe, the antique Swedish chandelier is from John Derian, and the walls are painted in Churlish Green by Farrow & Ball. Bebe Howorth, ELLE Decor, 18 Aug. 2023 Judging by the view out of the glass canopy, the driver can more easily locate the front tires thanks to the positioning of the tall front fenders. Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, 5 Sep. 2023 That speaker system sat right next to the canopy occupied by Kimberly and Joe Howard of Sherwood. Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 3 Sep. 2023
Verb
Multiple layers are sown — from shrub to canopy — in a dense arrangement of about three to five plantings per square meter. Cara Buckley, BostonGlobe.com, 26 Aug. 2023 In 1986, the Art Deco Central Library was ravaged by fire, damaging or destroying more than 1 million volumes and leading to years of rebuilding and expansion, including the Mayor Tom Bradley wing that descends four flights and is canopied by a skylight and whimsical chandeliers. Jeffrey Fleishman, Los Angeles Times, 9 Aug. 2023 Two days after major storm struck D.C., a slow recovery While the commuter headache is coming to a close, crews were continuing to clear debris or loose limbs from trees — especially in areas where greenery is canopied over the road. Ian Duncan, Washington Post, 1 Aug. 2023 The lawn is canopied by mature trees, while a lakeside pergola provides shade and a fire pit. Ashley Hays-Weaver, Dallas News, 21 July 2023 Guests at this hotel have access to a petite lazy river canopied by thatch palms. Brittany Anas, Forbes, 16 July 2023 The path was canopied by tall trees with prominent signs indicating the points where paths split. Jeremy C. Fox, BostonGlobe.com, 5 July 2023 Floors are rough-hewn timber planks, beds are canopied in diaphanous white cotton, and freestanding bathtubs are positioned to capitalize on the extraordinary scenery. Maria Shollenbarger, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2023 Look for beach umbrella canopies with a UPF rating of 50+ for the highest protection against the sun. Molly Blanco, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 June 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'canopy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English canope, from Medieval Latin canopeum mosquito net, from Latin conopeum, from Greek kōnōpion, from kōnōps mosquito

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1594, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of canopy was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near canopy

Cite this Entry

“Canopy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canopy. Accessed 24 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

canopy

1 of 2 noun
can·​o·​py ˈkan-ə-pē How to pronounce canopy (audio)
plural canopies
1
a
: a covering over a bed, throne, or shrine or carried on poles (as over a person of high rank)
b
: awning
2
: a shade or shelter that hangs over something
especially : the uppermost spreading layer of a forest
3
: the fabric part of a parachute that catches the air

canopy

2 of 2 verb
canopied; canopying
: to cover with or as if with a canopy

More from Merriam-Webster on canopy

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