These two nouns have very different meanings!
A cannon is a kind of large gun-like projectile weapon (officially “artillery”) that rests on the ground or a frame and uses a chemical explosion to throw projectiles— usually “cannon balls”—long distances, not very accurately. They were among the most powerful weapons available before the modern era and played a large role in warfare between the 14th and 20th centuries.
Canon, on the other hand, has many meanings, all abstract.
The main idea is that a canon is a set of rules, preferences, or documents that are recognized as traditionally authoritative. A good example is “Catholic canon”—which refers to the officially accepted beliefs and policies of the Catholic church—and indeed it is a big deal when the Pope changes that canon! In relation to this usage, you might want to know that when they create new saints, it is called canonization:
The bishops voted to canonize her due to her charitable work.
Here are some other meanings of canon:
A set of officially important literary works:
The canon of Western literature perhaps begins with the works of Homer.
The contents of the Dead Sea Scrolls are not considered part of Bible canon.
Daniel Manus Pinkwater holds a special place in the canon of children’s literature.
A set of rules, principles, or standards:
Is it still against canon to get an abortion?
The canonical interpretation of quantum mechanics is the Copenhagen Interpretation.
Trump constantly violates the canons of politeness.
You could also say that I am telling you the canonical definitions of words—the definitions recognized as official.
More Examples of "Cannon" in a Sentence
- A cannon is a type of artillery that can be used in both attacking and defending positions
- The cannon first appeared in China in the 12th century.
- I would love to see the expression on my opponent's face when we fire our cannon.
- I loaded the cannon with gunpowder and a cannonball.
- The cannon had been prepped for the soldiers to fire.
- The cannonball flew through the air and smashed into the wall.
- I was worried that the recoil from the cannon would knock me over.
- The crowd held its breath as the daredevil performer was shot out from the cannon, sailing through the air.
- Let's just say that I won't be volunteering to be in any more cannon stunts anytime soon!
More Examples of "Canon" in a Sentence
- I am always searching for great literature outside the established canon of Western literature.
- Canonization is the process by which a saint is declared to be a member of the Catholic Church's hierarchy.
- The canon wheel is a tool used in stained glass work to cut out circular pieces of glass from a larger piece.
- Canon never disappoints with their quality DSLR cameras.
- Canons are written to promote and maintain religious unity in a community.
- The five canons of rhetoric were created long ago and are a way of understanding how to persuade your readers or audience members.
- The literary canon is not static; it changes over time as new works are added or removed.
- Fans engaged in a heated debate online over whether a certain character was part of the Dragon Ball canon.
- Canon law regulates the life of the Church and its members, covering a wide range of topics, from marriage and family life to religious orders and charity work.