canvas

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a piece of strong cloth stretched over a wooden frame, used by artists for painting.

n. a piece of heavy fabric stretched across a wooden frame (stretcher) to serve as a support for oil or acrylic painting.

“The artist bought a large canvas to start her new landscape painting.”

“Before applying the first layer of oil paint, the student carefully primed the canvas with gesso to ensure a smooth surface.”

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Nautical Literary

n. the sails of a boat or ship.

n. a collective term for the sails of a vessel. Often used in the phrase 'under canvas'.

“The ship looked beautiful with all its canvas spread out in the wind.”

“The schooner moved gracefully across the bay under full canvas, its white sails gleaming against the dark water.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a background or situation that allows someone to be creative.

n. a metaphorical space or background providing the opportunity for creative expression or detailed description.

“The city provided a colorful canvas for the young writer's first novel.”

“The director used the historical setting as a broad canvas on which to explore themes of betrayal and redemption.”

C2 · Proficiency Technical

v. to cover an area or an object with canvas cloth.

v. to cover, line, or protect a surface or object with canvas fabric.

“The workers had to canvas the roof to protect it from the rain.”

“The deck was carefully canvassed and painted to ensure it remained watertight during the long winter months.”