# canopy

/ˈkænəpi/ (US) · /kˈænəpi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/canopy
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. forest layer

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- Many unique birds and insects live high up in the rainforest canopy.
- Biologists used a system of ropes and pulleys to reach the rainforest canopy, where they discovered several previously unclassified species of orchids.

### 2. architectural cover

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- We stood under the hotel canopy to stay dry while waiting for a taxi.
- The modern glass canopy extends from the main entrance to the street, protecting guests from the elements without obscuring the building's facade.

### 3. aircraft/parachute

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

- The pilot closed the canopy before starting the jet's engines.
- The skydiver checked his equipment carefully, ensuring that the parachute canopy was packed correctly to avoid any deployment issues.

### 4. bed/furniture cover

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The child loved her new bed because it had a pink silk canopy.
- The royal bed featured a heavy velvet canopy embroidered with gold thread, reflecting the opulence of the seventeenth-century palace.

### 5. to cover over

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary

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

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

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

## Examples

- The birds sang from the thick forest canopy.
- We walked under the canopy of the old oak trees to stay cool.
- The tropical rainforest canopy supports a vast diversity of species that never descend to the forest floor.

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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.