VocabDictionary

canopy

/ˈkænəpi/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

An ornamental cloth covering hung or held up over a throne, bed, or other sacred or important object.

Example Sentences:
  • The queen sat beneath a magnificent velvet canopy during the ceremony.
  • She slept in a four-poster bed with a delicate lace canopy.
2.noun

The uppermost layer of branches and foliage in a forest, forming a more or less continuous layer of leaves and branches.

Example Sentences:
  • Sunlight struggled to penetrate the dense canopy of the rainforest.
  • Many species of birds and insects live exclusively in the forest canopy.
3.noun

A protective covering, often made of fabric or metal, supported by poles or a frame, used over an entrance, patio, or other area.

Example Sentences:
  • They installed a retractable canopy over the patio to provide shade.
  • The gas station had a large canopy extending over the fuel pumps.
4.noun

The transparent enclosure over the cockpit of an aircraft.

Example Sentences:
  • The pilot closed the canopy before starting the engine.
  • A bird strike shattered the fighter jet's canopy during the exercise.
5.noun

The fabric part of a parachute that catches the air and slows descent.

Example Sentences:
  • The skydiver deployed their main canopy at 4,000 feet.
  • A small tear in the canopy could be catastrophic.
6.verb

To cover with or as if with a canopy.

Example Sentences:
  • Tall oak trees canopied the winding country lane, providing welcome shade.
  • The stars were canopied by a thick blanket of clouds.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “canopy”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Originating in the late 14th century, 'canopy' comes from the Old French 'canapé' (meaning 'bed with a mosquito net'), which itself derived from the Medieval Latin 'canopeum' or 'conopeum'. This Latin term was borrowed from the Greek 'kōnōpeion', referring to an 'Egyptian bed with mosquito curtains'. The Greek word 'kōnōps' meant 'mosquito' or 'gnat'. The sense evolved from a specific type of mosquito net to any ornamental or protective overhead covering.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Imagine a 'CAN' of 'OPI'um (opium) being hidden under a protective covering – a CANOPY.

Frequently Asked Questions About “canopy

1. What is the meaning of “canopy” in English?

In English, canopy (noun) is defined as: “An ornamental cloth covering hung or held up over a throne, bed, or other sacred or important object.”.

2. How do you use “canopy” in a sentence?

The queen sat beneath a magnificent velvet canopy during the ceremony.

3. What are English synonyms of “canopy”?

Common synonyms include:awning,covering,shelter,roof,baldachin

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “canopy”?

Originating in the late 14th century, 'canopy' comes from the Old French 'canapé' (meaning 'bed with a mosquito net'), which itself derived from the Medieval Latin 'canopeum' or 'conopeum'. This Latin term was borrowed from the Greek 'kōnōpeion', referring to an 'Egyptian bed with mosquito curtains'. The Greek word 'kōnōps' meant 'mosquito' or 'gnat'. The sense evolved from a specific type of mosquito net to any ornamental or protective overhead covering.