canopy
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the top layer of a forest, formed by the branches and leaves of the tallest trees.
n.the uppermost layer of a forest or woodland, formed by the crowns of the trees and functioning as a distinct ecological habitat.
Simple“Many unique birds and insects live high up in the rainforest canopy.”
In context“Biologists used a system of ropes and pulleys to reach the rainforest canopy, where they discovered several previously unclassified species of orchids.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a roof-like covering over an entrance, window, or outdoor area.
n.an overhanging or projecting roof structure, typically providing shelter over a doorway or walkway.
Simple“We stood under the hotel canopy to stay dry while waiting for a taxi.”
In context“The modern glass canopy extends from the main entrance to the street, protecting guests from the elements without obscuring the building's facade.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
n.the transparent cover of an airplane cockpit or the fabric part of a parachute.
n.the transparent enclosure over an aircraft cockpit, or the main fabric surface of a parachute that catches the air.
Simple“The pilot closed the canopy before starting the jet's engines.”
In context“The skydiver checked his equipment carefully, ensuring that the parachute canopy was packed correctly to avoid any deployment issues.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a decorative cloth cover held up over a bed or a seat.
n.an ornamental cloth covering suspended over a bed, throne, or person of high rank.
Simple“The child loved her new bed because it had a pink silk canopy.”
In context“The royal bed featured a heavy velvet canopy embroidered with gold thread, reflecting the opulence of the seventeenth-century palace.”
Synonymsdraperytester - 05 C2 Proficiency
v.to cover something from above, like trees covering a path.
v.to provide a covering for or over something; often used in the passive voice to describe natural or architectural shading.
Simple“Ancient oak trees canopied the narrow country lane.”
In context“The narrow medieval streets were canopied by the overhanging upper storeys of the timber-framed houses, creating a permanent gloom below.”
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.