canola

American  

[kuh-noh-luh] / kəˈnoʊ lə /

noun

1. a variety of the rapeseed plant that contains reduced levels of erucic acid, making its oil palatable for human consumption, and reduced levels of a toxic glucosin, making its meal desirable as a livestock feed.

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canola British  

/ kəˈnəʊlə /

noun

1. a cooking oil extracted from a variety of rapeseed developed in Canada

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Etymology

Origin of canola

First recorded in 1975–80; formerly a Canadian trademark; either abbreviation of Can(adian) o(il) l(ow) a(cid) or a blend of Can(ada) ( def. ) and -ola ( def. )

Example Sentences

New nutrition guidance from the American Heart Association advises getting protein from plants rather than meat, choosing low-fat or fat-free dairy and using olive, soybean and canola oils instead of beef tallow and butter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Under the deal, China, which used to be Canada's largest market for canola seed, is expected to reduce tariffs on the products to around 15 percent, down from the current 84 percent.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

The speech came on the heels of Canada striking a limited, preliminary trade pact with China that would lower tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and Canadian agriculture including canola oil.

From Barron's • Jan. 26, 2026

Prime Minister Mark Carney struck a deal with China to slash the EV tariff while China reduced duties on Canadian canola.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 24, 2026

In exchange, China will cut tariffs on Canadian canola seed to around 15% by 1 March, down from the current rate of 84%.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026