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
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
Many canopies are also adjustable to account for growing passengers. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025 Even the newbiest among us donned harnesses and quite literally danced in the redwood trees, swinging and moving through the forest canopy under the guidance of artistic director Kara Starkweather. Kim Westerman, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Verb
Pilot adventures include gorilla trekking in Uganda with wildlife ranger Denis Onyiko and his team, exploring rewilding efforts in Argentina, and uncovering biodiversity from coast to canopy in Costa Rica. Cassidy Randall, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025 The boutique property towers over the Lancang River (also known as the Mekong River) where Nushan Mountain and Biluo Snow Mountain meet, residing on fertile grounds canopied with lush walnut trees and winding grapevines. Katie Chang, AFAR Media, 25 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for canopy

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Canopy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canopy. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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