Canoe
/kəˈnuː/noun
A light, narrow boat typically propelled by paddling.
Did you know?The word 'canoe' comes from the Taíno word 'canu,' which refers to a dugout boat, a design used by indigenous peoples for centuries in spiritual and practical journeys alike.
Etymological Timeline
Taíno Language
Taíno
canu
“A dugout or hollowed-out tree trunk used as a boat.”
16th Century
Spanish
canoa
“Borrowed from Taíno, referring to the same light boat used by indigenous people.”
17th Century
French
canoë
“Adoption of the Spanish term, used to describe the small boat in European contexts.”
Modern English
English
canoe
“The direct import from French, retaining the meaning of a lightweight paddled boat.”