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

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

The diocese said it was Rome's decision to shelve the case without a full canonical trial and that it conducted a preliminary investigation.

Read more on BBC

But I knew Joyce and I would have to have another rendezvous when I wasn’t in such a rush to check a canonical box.

Read more on Los Angeles Times