WordValecanon
the body of works considered essential in a tradition
In more detail
1. (noun) a rule or principle that is generally accepted as being true or correct
2. (noun) a religious law or rule made by the church
3. (noun) a list of books that are officially recognized as genuine works by an author
Examples
- The rules of physics are the canon by which we understand the natural world.
- The church's canon forbids priests from marrying.
- Shakespeare's canon includes 37 plays and 154 sonnets.
How to use canon
Canon refers to an established, authoritative standard or set of rules accepted within a particular domain—whether religious, literary, philosophical, or cultural. It carries weight and formal recognition. Unlike the similar-sounding 'cannon' (a weapon), canon emphasizes normative authority and acceptance rather than force or controversy, though it can denote what is traditionally accepted versus what is excluded or marginal.
Common phrases
- literary canon
- biblical canon
- canon law
- establish a canon
- within the canon
- part of the canon
Synonyms
principle · rule · standard · criterion · doctrine
Opposites
exception · anomaly
Word family
canonical · canonize · canonicity
A common mistake
Learners often confuse 'canon' (a rule or body of established works) with 'cannon' (the weapon). Additionally, some assume canon always means 'perfect' or 'best,' when it really means 'officially recognized or accepted as authoritative.'
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