Cannon and canon are both correct words but have different meanings and usage. Cannon functions both as a noun and a verb while canon is only used as a noun. As a noun, cannon refers to a large, heavy gun. As a verb, cannon means to hit something or someone while moving fast. Meanwhile, canon as a noun refers to many things: a priest, set of rules, list of books or music, or established law.
There’s confusion between cannon and canon because it’s easy to confuse one with the other, and their spelling is almost the same. If confused, cannon (the one spelled with two letters “n”) talks about heavy guns. Since cannon is longer than canon, associate it with a big gun.
When to Use Cannon
We use cannon as a noun and a verb. As a noun, cannon refers to a mounted gun for shooting heavy projectiles. As a verb, cannon means to hit something or someone while moving fast.
Cannon as a Noun
A mounted gun
I was fascinated when I saw an old cannon in the museum.
In the past, soldiers used cannons to fire metal balls as their weapons.
Cannon as a Verb
To hit something or someone while moving fast
He cannoned straight into me.
The ball cannoned off the distant post.
When to Use Canon
We use canon as a noun refers to many things: a priest, set of standard rules, literary works or pieces of music, or established law. Furthermore, Canon is a famous camera brand.
Canon as a Noun
A priest with special duties in a cathedral
The former canons who were members of the bishop’s staff had to sign a waiver.
Jeric once served as a canon and treasurer of Sarom Cathedral.
A standard, rule, or principle believed to be good
In rabbinic canon law, human life doesn’t begin at conception.
The science of the canon law is reliable.
A list of writings that are agreed to be worth studying
All the plays of the Shakespeare canon were acted.
The Canterbury Tales is one of the famous works in the Chaucer canon.
A piece of music in which singers or instruments repeat the melody
The audience can hear the canon in the melody.
Beethoven’s works have many passages in canon.
An established law of the Christian Church
In some countries, the Church’s canon law prohibits gay marriage.
According to the interpretation of canon law, the ceremony had to be canceled.
Conclusion: Cannon vs. Canon: Which One is Correct?
While cannon and canon are both correct, the two words are occasionally confused by writers and don’t share a meaning. Cannon is often used as “a large gun,” while canon is commonly associated with accepted rules, literary works, or pieces of music. Moreover, cannon is also used in the contexts of Church and the Bible. Remember, cannon is a big gun, and it’s the longer word between the two. Hence, associate cannon with big guns.
References:
Cambridge Dictionary. (n.d.) Canon. In https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/ dictionary. Retrieved from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/canon
Cambridge Dictionary. (n.d.) Cannon. In https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/ dictionary. Retrieved from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/cannon
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Online. (n.d.). Canon. In https://www.ldoceonline.com/ dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/canon
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Online. (n.d.). Canon. In https://www.ldoceonline.com/ dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/cannon
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Canon. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canon
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Cannon. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cannon
Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries. n.d.). Canon. In https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/canon?q=canon
Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries. n.d.). Cannon. In https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/cannon_1?q=cannon
