# canonical URL

CEFR C1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/canonical-url
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

the main web address for a page that has several different links. You use it to tell search engines which version of a page is the original one.

For teachers: the preferred version of a web page address among several duplicates or near-duplicates. It serves as a technical signal to search engines to consolidate ranking signals and avoid penalties for duplicate content.

## Examples

- You should always set a canonical URL for your blog posts.
- The developer added a canonical URL to the product page to ensure that tracking parameters didn't create duplicate content issues in search results.
- By implementing a canonical URL, the webmaster successfully directed all link equity to the primary landing page, preventing the search engine from indexing multiple variations of the same promotional content.

## Usage notes

- Often used in the context of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and web development.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.