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.

---

canola British  

/ kəˈnəʊlə /

noun

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

---

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

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

The improvements have largely been marked by an easing of trade barriers, such as the new framework between China and Canada that includes slashing tariffs on Chinese EVs and Canadian canola oil.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

China is expected to lower levies on Canadian canola oil from 85% to 15% by 1 March, while Ottawa has agreed to tax Chinese electric vehicles at the most-favoured-nation rate, 6.1%, Carney told reporters.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

China’s ambassador to Canada, Wang Di, has said Beijing is willing to drop the canola tariffs in exchange for Ottawa removing duties on Chinese EVs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 7, 2026