canoe

Definition

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

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.

Example Sentences

• "The canoe is of pure black oak, and is in excellent preservation."
• "He and Gerald usually challenged the rollers in a sponson canoe when Gerald was there for the weekend; […]"
• "His program also included a survey of the new course of the lower Tarim river in Eastern Turkistan and its terminal lake Lop-nor. This part of the expedition started in April 1934, from Könche or Yü-li-hsien, a small village about 45 km. SSE of Korla, whence Dr. Hedin followed the river Könche-darya and its continuation Qum-darya, travelling in native canoes."