C1noun2K

Canvas

UK /["/ˈkænvəs/"]/US /["/ˈkænvəs/"]/

Definition

a strong heavy rough material used for making tents, sails, etc. and by artists for painting on

In simple words: A strong fabric used by artists to paint on.

Examples

  • tents made from heavy canvas
  • a sale of the artist’s early canvases
  • The building is a blank canvas for a clever investor to potentially make a lot of money.
  • Alice was a blank slate in the first film because she had memory loss and knew nothing about herself.
  • They spent the night under canvas.

Usage notes

Used in art contexts; not appropriate for everyday conversations unrelated to painting or art. Can also refer to the surface used in recreational activities like tents or sails.

Grammar pattern

canvas + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'can-vase' for painting, where the canvas holds the art like a vase holds flowers.

Collocations

  • oil canvas
  • stretched canvas
  • cotton canvas
  • canvas bag
  • canvas print

Synonyms

  • cloth
  • canvas fabric
  • artboard
  • painting surface

Antonyms

  • paper
  • digital screen
  • print

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'canvass', which means to survey opinions.
  • Using 'canvas' as a verb instead of as a noun.
  • Mispronouncing the word, especially the 'v' sound.