Canon

/ˈkæn.ən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A general law, rule, principle, or criterion by which something is judged.

The scientist presented a new hypothesis that challenged the canon of established theories.

The collection or list of sacred books accepted as genuine.

The Bible is considered the canon of Christian scripture.

A body of works or principles that are accepted as authoritative or central to a particular field.

Shakespeare's plays are an essential part of the canon of English literature.

The works of a particular author or artist that are considered to be their most important or representative.

Many art students study the canonical works of Van Gogh to understand his style.

In music, a contrapuntal composition technique characterized by the repetition of a melody in two or more voices.

The composer used the canon technique to create a rich and layered sound in his symphony.

From Middle English 'canon', from Latin 'canon', from Greek 'kanon' meaning 'a rule or standard'.

canon law

The body of laws and regulations made by those in a church.

literary canon

The collection of works considered essential reading in literature.

the canon of scripture

The set of texts regarded as authoritative in a religious tradition.

canonical

Relating to a canon; conforming to a general rule or standard.

canonization

The process of declaring a deceased person a saint.

canonize

To declare a deceased person to be a saint.

Something widely accepted as a standard or truth.

In fandoms, that character's actions are considered canon.

Refers to events or elements that are officially part of a storyline.

That theory is popular, but it's not canon in the series.