English · Word Candidate

canvas

/ˈkæn.vəs/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: canvases · canvasses · canvasing · canvased

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A type of coarse cloth, woven from hemp (traditionally) or from cotton and polyesters, useful for making sails, tents, and overcoats or as a surface for paintings.

Noun

Examples

The term canvas is very widely used, as well to denote the coarse fabrics employed for kitchen use, as for strainers, and wraps for meat, as for the best quality of ordinary table and shirting linen.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A piece of such cloth stretched across a frame on which one may paint an artwork.

Noun

Examples

She is painting a moonlight scene on the canvas.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To cover (an area or object) with canvas.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “canvas” mean?

A type of coarse cloth, woven from hemp (traditionally) or from cotton and polyesters, useful for making sails, tents, and overcoats or as a surface for paintings.

Is “canvas” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.