canoe

American  

[kuh-noo] / kəˈnu /

noun

1. any of various slender, open boats, tapering to a point at both ends, propelled by paddles or sometimes sails and traditionally formed of light framework covered with bark, skins, or canvas, or formed from a dug-out or burned-out log or logs, and now usually made of aluminum, fiberglass, etc.

2. any of various small, primitive light boats.

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verb (used without object)

canoed, canoeing

1. to paddle a canoe.

2. to go in a canoe.

verb (used with object)

canoed, canoeing

1. to transport or carry by canoe.

idioms

1. paddle one's own canoe,

   1. to handle one's own affairs; manage independently.

   2. to mind one's own business.

canoe British  

/ kəˈnuː /

noun

1. a light narrow open boat, propelled by one or more paddles

2. another word for waka

3. of the same tribe

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verb

1. to go in a canoe or transport by canoe

canoe More Idioms  

1. see paddle one's own canoe.

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Other Word Forms

• canoeing noun
• canoeist noun

Etymology

Origin of canoe

1545–55; < French < Spanish canoa < Arawak; replacing canoa < Spanish

Example Sentences

A Boise firefighter’s wife spotted Valentine crawling and was able to flag down a group of members from Eagle’s Boy Scout Troop 77, who were out canoeing on the Snake River.

From Seattle Times

The Shire River is home to many hippos and crocodiles, and boats and canoes are often overcrowded or poorly maintained.

From BBC

Using canoes and motorboats, the five team members have trekked out in rivers from sunrise to past sundown in the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge to rescue rabbits.

From Los Angeles Times

When the group went canoeing, her vessel flipped.

From New York Times

She knows what it takes to compete and win at the top level - particularly in canoeing, where her British team-mates are often her direct competitors.

From BBC

Related Words

• kayak
• outrigger