canonical
adjective
ca·non·i·cal
kə-ˈnä-ni-kəl 
1
: of, relating to, or forming a canon
canonical scriptures
2
: conforming to a general rule or acceptable procedure : orthodox
His proposals were generally accepted as canonical.
3
: of or relating to a clergyman who is a canon
4
: reduced to the canonical form
a canonical matrix
Examples of canonical in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Clipse is a canonical rap group with two amazing, if not classic, albums in their catalog.
—
Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 27 July 2025
Our canonical guide includes where each film takes place in the series timeline.
—Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 24 July 2025
Despite Dickens’ canonical reputation, the author of door-stoppers such as Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickeleby, the stench of the entrepreneurial still hangs about him.
—Ed Simon
july 21, Literary Hub, 21 July 2025
Then there’s a twist and reveal that becomes a canonical betrayal completely unsupported by coherent motivation, and the whole gambit falls apart.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for canonical
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Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 27 July 2025
Our canonical guide includes where each film takes place in the series timeline.
—Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 24 July 2025
Despite Dickens’ canonical reputation, the author of door-stoppers such as Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickeleby, the stench of the entrepreneurial still hangs about him.
—Ed Simon
july 21, Literary Hub, 21 July 2025
Then there’s a twist and reveal that becomes a canonical betrayal completely unsupported by coherent motivation, and the whole gambit falls apart.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for canonical
Cite this Entry
“Canonical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canonical. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
canonical
adjective
ca·non·i·cal
kə-ˈnän-i-kəl
1
: relating to or allowed by church law
2
: following a general rule or accepted procedure
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