Canvas

Definition

Canvas is a strong, coarse cloth made from cotton, hemp, or linen, often used as a surface for painting, as well as for making sails, tents, and other durable goods. It can also refer to a painting, particularly one done on such a cloth.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkænvəs/
• Respelling: KAN-vuhs

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkænvəs/
• Respelling: KAN-vuhs

Etymology

The word "canvas" comes from the Old French word "canevas," which is derived from the Latin word "cannabis," meaning "hemp." The term originally referred to the fabric made from hemp and entered the English language in the 13th century, later expanding to include cotton and linen cloth.

Derivatives

• Canvass (verb)
• Canvasser (noun)
• Canvassing (noun)
• Canvasback (noun)
• Canvaslike (adjective)

Synonyms

• Fabric
• Cloth
• Textile

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The noun "canvas" is widely used in art, as artists paint on canvases stretched over wooden frames. For example, "The artist completed the portrait on a large canvas." It is also used in a functional sense to refer to durable materials used in constructing items like tents and sails. For example, "The tent was made from waterproof canvas."

Related Terms

• Easel: A stand used to hold a canvas during painting.
• Palette: The range of colors used by an artist.
• Textile: A type of cloth or woven fabric.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A strong, durable cloth used for various purposes: Refers to the heavy fabric used in making tents, sails, and other sturdy items.
  • Example: "The sails were made from thick canvas to withstand strong winds."
• A surface for painting: Refers to the cloth stretched over a frame that artists use to create paintings.
  • Example: "She painted a landscape on a large canvas."