Definition
The officially accepted body of works, storylines, or established facts within a fictional universe or religious tradition; also refers to the set of principles or rules by which something is judged or understood. In literature and fandom, canon is distinguished from fan-created or unofficial content.
Example Usage
The comic book storyline is no longer considered canon after the studio rebooted the franchise.
Origin
From Greek 'kanon' (measuring rod, rule); used in religious contexts since early Christianity to denote authentic scripture.
Fun Fact
Fandom communities spend considerable time debating what is and isn't canon, especially when sequels, spin-offs, or adaptations contradict previous works.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
Related Terms
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See “canon” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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