B2noun 3K

Canal

🇬🇧 UK /["/kəˈnæl/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/kəˈnæl/"]/

Meaning of Canal

a long straight passage dug in the ground and filled with water for boats and ships to travel along; a smaller passage used for carrying water to fields, crops, etc.

In simple words: A long, narrow waterway made for boats to travel.

Canal in a sentence

• the Panama/Suez Canal
• an irrigation canal
• The barge moved slowly along the canal.
• In Amsterdam we had a boat ride on the canals.
• They lived in a converted warehouse on the canal.
• The Panama Canal was not opened until after the outbreak of the First World War.
• The canal network put Birmingham at the centre of Britain's transport system in the 1780s.
• It is important to keep the irrigation canals clear of vegetation.

How to use Canal

Used in both formal and casual contexts. Generally appropriate when discussing geography, transport, or irrigation. Avoid using in casual conversations about unrelated topics.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'canal' as a 'can' that holds water for boats.

Related words

Collocations with Canal

• drainage
• irrigation
• ship
• build
• construct
• dig
• barge
• boat
• bank
• along a/​the canal
• on a/​the canal

Synonyms for Canal

• waterway
• ditch
• channel
• moat

Opposites of Canal

• blockage
• obstruction
• dam
• barrier

Common mistakes with Canal

• Confused with 'channel', which can mean a TV signal.
• Mistaken for 'canyon', which is a deep valley.
• Mispronounced as 'kanal'.

Frequently asked questions about Canal

What does Canal mean?

A long, narrow waterway made for boats to travel.

What is the definition of Canal?

a long straight passage dug in the ground and filled with water for boats and ships to travel along; a smaller passage used for carrying water to fields, crops, etc.

How do you use Canal in a sentence?

the Panama/Suez Canal

Can you give another example of Canal?

an irrigation canal

What are synonyms for Canal?

Common alternatives include waterway, ditch, channel, moat.

What is the opposite of Canal?

Opposite meanings include blockage, obstruction, dam, barrier.

What words go with Canal?

It commonly pairs with drainage, irrigation, ship, build, construct, dig, barge, boat, bank, along a/​the canal, on a/​the canal.

What are common mistakes when using Canal?

Confused with 'channel', which can mean a TV signal. Mistaken for 'canyon', which is a deep valley. Mispronounced as 'kanal'.

How do you pronounce Canal?

US: /["/kəˈnæl/"]/, UK: /["/kəˈnæl/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Canal?

Used in both formal and casual contexts. Generally appropriate when discussing geography, transport, or irrigation. Avoid using in casual conversations about unrelated topics.

What CEFR level is Canal?

"Canal" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.