Search Dictionary
Definition of canal
canal
/kəˈnæl/
ca · nal
Plural:canals
•Past Simple:canaled
•Past Participle:canaled
•Present Participle:canaling
canal Lexical Profile
CEFR
B1
Grade
4
Tier
2
Usage
Top 5k
canal Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
An artificial waterway constructed to allow the passage of boats or ships inland, or to convey water for irrigation.
Example
"The construction of the Panama Canal drastically reduced the travel time for ships moving between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans."
2
A tubular passage or duct in a plant or animal body.
Example
"Sound waves travel through the ear canal to vibrate the tympanic membrane."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for canal• verb
1
To provide with or intersect with a canal or canals.
Example
"The engineers planned to canal the lower delta to improve drainage and prevent seasonal flooding."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for canal• Rhymes for canal
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Late Middle English, via Old French from Latin 'canalis' (pipe, groove, channel), which derives from 'canna' (cane or reed).
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Canal. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/canal