canoe

American  

[kuh-noo] / kəˈnu /

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.

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verb (used without object)

canoed, canoeing

1. to paddle a canoe.

2. to go in a canoe.

verb (used with object)

canoed, canoeing

1. to transport or carry by canoe.

idioms

1. paddle one's own canoe,

   1. to handle one's own affairs; manage independently.

   2. to mind one's own business.

canoe British  

/ kəˈnuː /

noun

1. a light narrow open boat, propelled by one or more paddles

2. another word for waka

3. of the same tribe

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verb

1. to go in a canoe or transport by canoe

canoe More Idioms  

1. see paddle one's own canoe.

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Other Word Forms

• canoeing noun
• canoeist noun

Etymology

Origin of canoe

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

Example Sentences

It’s been hard for me to accept that I’ll never again get to work alongside him, crafting another canoe, or tackling his mounds of paperwork.

From Literature

Strickland moved out of Manhattan and rented a cabin in Woodstock, across a pond from Pierson, who would canoe over to see him every morning.

From BBC

Wolf fared better, as his narrow chest cut the snow like a canoe slicing water.

From Literature

Particularly marvelous are the voyages of the Polynesians who crossed the immense Pacific a thousand years ago in double-hulled canoes.

From The Wall Street Journal

There is something about canoes; they do not cause fear.

From Literature

Related Words

• kayak
• outrigger