canonical

[kuh-non-i-kuhl]

adjective

1. relating to, established by, or conforming to a canon or canons

2. included in the canon of the Bible.

3. authorized; recognized; accepted.

   canonical works.

4. Mathematics.,  (of an equation, coordinate, etc.) in simplest or standard form.

5. following the pattern of a musical canon.

6. Linguistics.,  (of a form or pattern) characteristic, general or basic.

   the canonical form of the past tense;

   a canonical syllable pattern.

noun

1. canonicals, garments prescribed by canon law for clergy when officiating.

canonical

/ kəˈnɒnɪkəl /

adjective

1. belonging to or included in a canon of sacred or other officially recognized writings

2. belonging to or in conformity with canon law

3. according to recognized law; accepted

4. music in the form of a canon

5. of or relating to a cathedral chapter

6. of or relating to a canon (clergyman)

Other Word Forms

• canonically adverb
• supercanonical adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of canonical¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin canōnicālis, equivalent to canōnic(us) ( canon ² ) + -ālis -al ¹

Example Sentences

But this year in particular, it was often the new seams of meaning and feeling actors found in canonical texts, or the emotional truth they brought to new writing, that most impressed me.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Nevertheless, it’s a Grand Guignol finish to what has previously been an effective, affecting and strictly naturalistic new interpretation of this canonical drama.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Keyes also says that the creative process was a factor in Eric’s exit, yet it led to the creation of the most canonical songs on the album.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Johnny Cash recorded his canonical version at 70, a cover now synonymous with a lion in winter starting down the grave.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

On May 4, Star Wars Day, he mocked a White House post featuring an AI-generated image of Trump holding a red lightsaber, the canonical weapon of the franchise’s villains.

Read more on Los Angeles Times