ENGLISH
REFERENCE

canoe

n. · v.
US //kəˈnu// UK //kənˈuː// ca·noe
  1. 1 a small boat (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

  2. 2 roulette wheel part (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Sport

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

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  1. 3 large old car (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Slang American English

    a very large, old, and expensive car.

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

  2. 4 to use a canoe (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to travel or exercise in a canoe.

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

Origin

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.

Idioms1 entry

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