canonical

adjective ca·non·i·cal \-ni-kəl\

: connected with or allowed by the laws of the Christian church

: of or relating to the books that are considered to be part of a religion's official text

: of or relating to the group of books, plays, poems, etc., that are traditionally considered to be very important

Full Definition of CANONICAL

: of, relating to, or forming a canon

: conforming to a general rule or acceptable procedure : orthodox

: of or relating to a clergyman who is a canon

: reduced to the canonical form <a canonical matrix>

— ca·non·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See canonical defined for English-language learners

See canonical defined for kids

15th century

Next Word in the Dictionary: canonical agePrevious Word in the Dictionary: canonicAll Words Near: canonical

What made you want to look up canonical? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears