English Reference
noun · verb

canoe

n. · v.
US /kəˈnu/ UK /kənˈuː/ ca·noe UK spelling canoe's, canoe's, canoed

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.a light, narrow boat with pointed ends that you move using a paddle.

    n.a lightweight, narrow watercraft with pointed ends, typically open at the top and propelled by paddlers using single-bladed paddles.

    Simple

    We spent the afternoon paddling a canoe across the quiet lake.

    In context

    The traditional wooden canoe glided silently through the reeds, its shallow draft allowing the paddlers to navigate the narrowest parts of the creek.

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency Technical Sport

    n.the small, curved metal parts on a roulette wheel that make the ball bounce.

    n.the curved deflectors positioned around the track of a roulette wheel, designed to disrupt the ball's path and ensure a random result.

    Simple

    The ball hit a canoe and bounced into a different number.

    In context

    Experienced gamblers watch how the ball interacts with the canoes, though the deflectors are specifically designed to make the final pocket unpredictable.

    deflectorfret
  3. 03 C2 Proficiency SlangAmerican English

    n.a very large, old, and expensive car.

    n.a large, often older, luxury vehicle characterized by its significant length and soft suspension.

    Simple

    He drives an old silver canoe that takes up two parking spaces.

    In context

    The vintage Cadillac was a total canoe, floating over the highway bumps but proving nearly impossible to parallel park in the city.

    land yachtboat
  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    v.to travel or exercise in a canoe.

    v.to travel by or paddle a canoe; used as an intransitive verb for the recreational activity.

    Simple

    They decided to canoe down the river for their summer holiday.

    In context

    The group planned to canoe from the headwaters to the coast, camping along the riverbanks each night of the expedition.


Adopted in 16th century from Spanish canoa, from Taíno kanowa (“dugout canoe”) (compare Lokono kanoa (“canoe”), Wayuu anuwa, anua (“boat, canoe”)), from Proto-Arawak kanawa.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin awd-pro *kanawa
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated