noun
canvas
KAN-vuhs/ˈkænvəs/
Strong, coarse, closely woven cloth.
Canvas forms the sturdy bag and the stretched painting surface.
Etymology
The ancestor names cloth by its material: it literally meant “made of hemp.” Canvas later also named the cloth surface used for oil paintings.
In context
this canvas is kind of threadbear and I'm concerned that when I go to handle it and stretch it it may tear
More examples
- She stitched a pocket onto the canvas bag.
- A roll of canvas lay beside the workbench.
- The painter stretched fresh canvas over a wooden frame.
Forms
canvas · canvases
Similar words
- linen
- Made from flax and not necessarily heavy or coarse.
- denim
- A different sturdy cloth, usually cotton with a diagonal weave.