Search Dictionary
Definition of canola

canola

/kəˈnoʊ.lə/
ca · no · la

Plural:canolas
JUMP TO:

canola Lexical Profile

canola Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A light, neutral-tasting, edible vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the canola plant, widely used in cooking, baking, and frying due to its low saturated fat content.

Example

"The recipe recommends using canola instead of butter to create a moister and heart-healthier cake."


2

A selectively bred, bright yellow-flowering variety of rapeseed (in the mustard family Brassicaceae), originally developed in Canada and cultivated extensively for its seeds.

Example

"The farmer decided to rotate his wheat crops with canola to improve soil health and take advantage of the growing demand for seed oil."

Word Nuance & Usage

While often used interchangeably with rapeseed, 'canola' legally and agriculturally refers specifically to varieties bred to have strictly limited levels of erucic acid and glucosinolates, making it safe for human and animal consumption.

• Rhymes for canola

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in Canada in the 1970s as a portmanteau or acronym derived from 'Can' (Canada) + 'o' (oil) + 'l' (low) + 'a' (acid), created to market the newly bred, safe-to-consume variety of rapeseed.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Canola. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/canola
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.