B2nounformalartsacademic
US/ˈkæn.ən/
UK/ˈkæn.ən/
a set of rules or works that people generally accept as important or correct
In context
Shakespeare's plays are part of the literary canon taught in schools.
Some critics want the canon to include more women writers.
The film was added to the canon of great movies.
Words that go with canon
adjective + noun
- literary canonThe literary canon has changed over time.
- western canonMany students study the Western canon at university.
verb + noun
- enter the canonFew modern novels enter the canon.
- expand the canonTeachers are trying to expand the canon.
noun + preposition
- part of the canonThe film is now part of the canon.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
the cannon of literatureCorrect: the canon of literature