1. plural of canon: established rules, principles, or standards
2. plural of canon: accepted works of literature or art considered to be of highest quality
Usage: literary; academic
3. plural of canon: clergy members who serve in a cathedral
Usage: religious

Examples

• The literary canons include works by Shakespeare and Dickens.
• Church canons gathered for the cathedral service.
• The fortress was defended by several bronze canons.
• Students must learn the basic canons of good writing.
• The Western art canons feature paintings by Renaissance masters.
• Military historians studied the placement of canons in the battle.
• These moral canons have guided society for centuries.