Canal

/kəˈnæl/

Meaning & Definition

noun
An artificial waterway constructed to allow the passage of boats or ships inland or to convey water for irrigation.
The Panama Canal is a key conduit for international maritime trade.
A tubular structure in the body, such as a blood vessel or duct.
The dentist explained that he needed to clean out the canal of my tooth.
A narrow passage or channel.
The small canal in the garden attracted various types of wildlife.

Etymology

From Latin 'canālis', meaning 'pipe, tube, or channel'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

canal boat
A boat designed for use on canals.
canal zone
A region surrounding a canal, especially for administrative purposes.
the Suez Canal
A man-made waterway in Egypt connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea.

Related Words

aqueduct
A bridge-like structure built to convey water.
ditch
A narrow channel dug in the ground, typically for drainage.
pipe
A hollow cylinder used to convey fluids.

Slang Meanings

Canal as a reference for a type of video platform.
I watched the tutorial on that canal yesterday.
Used in a context relating to streamlining processes or connections.
Let's canal it to make this process easier.