I. kəˈnü noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: alteration (probably influenced by Middle French canoue, Middle French & French canoe, from Spanish canoa ) of earlier canoa, canow, from New Latin canoa, from Spanish, from 15th century Arawakan canoa (form recorded by Columbus), of Cariban origin; akin to Galibi canaoua, Chayma & Cumanagoto canagua, canahua, Carib & Macusi canaoa
1. : a long and narrow boat that is sharp at both ends, has curved sides, is usually built of lightweight materials (as bark, hide, canvas, light wood, or light metal), and is usually propelled by hand-driven paddles although sometimes mounting a sail or sails
2. : a synchronized swimming stunt executed with arched back, head and heels above water, and hands at hip level propelling the body forward by sculling
II. verb
( canoed ; canoed ; canoeing ; canoes )
intransitive verb
1. : to paddle a canoe : manage a canoe
2. : to go or travel in a canoe
canoe across the lake
transitive verb
: to transport in a canoe
munitions being canoed across the river