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Definition of canal

canal

/kəˈnæl/
ca · nal
Plural:canals
•
Past Simple:canaled
•
Past Participle:canaled
•
Present Participle:canaling
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canal Lexical Profile

canal Game Scores & Validity

• 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

canadian
canadian lynx
canadian river
canal
canalboat
canalize
canape

Word Origin & Etymology

From Late Middle English, via Old French from Latin 'canalis' (pipe, groove, channel), which derives from 'canna' (cane or reed).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Canal. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/canal
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