ENGLISH
REFERENCE

canopy

n. · v.
US //ˈkænəpi// UK //kˈænəpi// canopy
  1. 1 forest layer (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    the top layer of a forest, formed by the branches and leaves of the tallest trees.

    the uppermost layer of a forest or woodland, formed by the crowns of the trees and functioning as a distinct ecological habitat.

    Example

    Many unique birds and insects live high up in the rainforest canopy.

    Example

    Biologists used a system of ropes and pulleys to reach the rainforest canopy, where they discovered several previously unclassified species of orchids.

  2. 2 architectural cover (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Architecture

    a roof-like covering over an entrance, window, or outdoor area.

    an overhanging or projecting roof structure, typically providing shelter over a doorway or walkway.

    Example

    We stood under the hotel canopy to stay dry while waiting for a taxi.

    Example

    The modern glass canopy extends from the main entrance to the street, protecting guests from the elements without obscuring the building's facade.

Show 3 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 aircraft/parachute (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    the transparent cover of an airplane cockpit or the fabric part of a parachute.

    the transparent enclosure over an aircraft cockpit, or the main fabric surface of a parachute that catches the air.

    Example

    The pilot closed the canopy before starting the jet's engines.

    Example

    The skydiver checked his equipment carefully, ensuring that the parachute canopy was packed correctly to avoid any deployment issues.

  2. 4 bed/furniture cover (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a decorative cloth cover held up over a bed or a seat.

    an ornamental cloth covering suspended over a bed, throne, or person of high rank.

    Example

    The child loved her new bed because it had a pink silk canopy.

    Example

    The royal bed featured a heavy velvet canopy embroidered with gold thread, reflecting the opulence of the seventeenth-century palace.

  3. 5 to cover over (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary

    to cover something from above, like trees covering a path.

    to provide a covering for or over something; often used in the passive voice to describe natural or architectural shading.

    Example

    Ancient oak trees canopied the narrow country lane.

    Example

    The narrow medieval streets were canopied by the overhanging upper storeys of the timber-framed houses, creating a permanent gloom below.

Origin

From Middle English canapy, canepie, canapee, canape, canope, from Old French conopé, Medieval Latin canapeum, canopeum, from Latin cōnōpēum (“mosquito net, canopy”), from Ancient Greek κωνωπεῖον (kōnōpeîon, “mosquito net”), from Ancient Greek κώνωψ (kṓnōps, “mosquito”), of uncertain origin. More at Ancient Greek κώνωψ (kṓnōps). Doublet of canapé and conopeum.

© 2026 English Reference