Canal — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /kə-ˈnal/ ca·nal

Meaning & Definition of Canal

Canal (noun)

  1. a tubular anatomical passage or channel, duct
  2. channel, watercourse
  3. an artificial waterway for navigation or for draining or irrigating land

Canal (verb)

  1. to construct a canal through or across

Canal (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an open man-made passageway for water

    "the Panama Canal opened a much easier and shorter passageway from the Atlantic to the Pacific"

    similar: aqueduct, channel, conduit, course, flume, racecourse, raceway, watercourse, waterway
    related: millrace, millstream, floodway, sluice, sluiceway, spillway, swash, tideway, torrent, gutter, trough, river, rivulet, stream

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Canal

The most common words with a similar meaning to Canal:

aqueduct, channel, conduit, course, flume, racecourse, raceway, watercourse, waterway

Related Words for Canal

millrace, millstream, floodway, sluice, sluiceway, spillway, swash, tideway, torrent, gutter, trough, river, rivulet, stream

Word Forms of Canal

Inflections: canalled, canaled, canalling, canaling

Origin & Etymology of Canal

Middle English, from Latin canalis pipe, channel, from canna reed cane

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Canal

Words & Phrases Containing Canal

alimentary canal, birth canal, ear canal, Haversian canal, resin canal, root canal, semicircular canal

Frequently Asked Questions about Canal

What does "Canal" mean?

"Canal" means a tubular anatomical passage or channel, duct. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a tubular anatomical passage or channel, duct.

What is another word for "Canal"?

Other words for "Canal" include aqueduct, channel, conduit, course, flume, racecourse, raceway and watercourse. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Canal" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Canal"?

There are 23 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Canal". Common alternatives include aqueduct, channel, conduit, course, flume, racecourse, raceway, watercourse and waterway.

How do you use "Canal" in a sentence?

Examples of "Canal" in a sentence: "the Panama Canal opened a much easier and shorter passageway from the Atlantic to the Pacific".

Is "Canal" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Canal" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Canal" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Canal" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Canal"?

"Canal" is pronounced /kə-ˈnal/ and divided into syllables as ca·nal.

What is the origin of the word "Canal"?

"Canal" comes from Middle English, from Latin canalis pipe, channel, from canna reed cane. First known use: 15th century.