canoe

[ kuh-noo ]

noun

1. any of various slender, open boats, tapering to a point at both ends, propelled by paddles or sometimes sails and traditionally formed of light framework covered with bark, skins, or canvas, or formed from a dug-out or burned-out log or logs, and now usually made of aluminum, fiberglass, etc.
2. any of various small, primitive light boats.

verb (used without object)

, ca·noed, ca·noe·ing.

1. to paddle a canoe.
2. to go in a canoe.

verb (used with object)

, ca·noed, ca·noe·ing.

1. to transport or carry by canoe.

canoe

/ kəˈnuː /

noun

1. a light narrow open boat, propelled by one or more paddles
2. another word for waka
3. in the same canoe
   of the same tribe

verb

1. to go in a canoe or transport by canoe

Derived Forms

• caˈnoeing, noun
• caˈnoeist, noun

Other Words From

• ca·noeist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of canoe¹

1545–55; < French < Spanish canoa < Arawak; replacing canoa < Spanish

Word History and Origins

Origin of canoe¹

C16: from Spanish canoa, of Carib origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. paddle one's own canoe, Informal.
   1. to handle one's own affairs; manage independently.
   2. to mind one's own business.

More idioms and phrases containing canoe

see paddle one's own canoe .

Example Sentences

The decision to hold softball and canoe slalom in Oklahoma City, which has ideal facilities for those sports, has met with public pushback.

From Los Angeles Times

Debra and Robert Kendrick, who were rescued by canoe after Helene destroyed their local roads, both voted for Trump.

From BBC

Out at the born-again lake, Coyote the junk dealer has contributed three kayaks and a canoe for anyone who feels like paddling.

From Los Angeles Times

And in Long Beach, where the A Line ends, eight sports will be played — rowing, sailing, triathlon, water polo, canoe sprint, artistic swimming, marathon swimming and handball.

From Los Angeles Times

Two existing facilities, the Sports Area and Marine Stadium, will host handball, rowing and canoe sprints.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• kayak
• outrigger