NYT Dictionary

CANOE

/kəˈnuː/
NounVerbca-NOEca-noe · 2 syllablesGrade 12

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026

Meaning

A small long and narrow boat, propelled by one or more people (depending on the size of canoe), using single-bladed paddles. The paddlers face in the direction of travel, in either a seated position, or kneeling on the bottom of the boat. Canoes are open on top, and pointed at both ends.

Etymology

Origin: Spanish

Adopted in 16th century from Spanish canoa, from Taíno *kanowa (“dugout canoe”) (compare Lokono kanoa (“canoe”), Wayuu anuwa, anua (“boat, canoe”)), from Proto-Arawak *kanawa.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

boatalmadiaarkauxiliarybargebusscatcatamarancircumnavigatecoast

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 5 recorded puzzles:

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