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/ˈkanən/
(canonical, canonically, canons)
NOUN

A word to describe something that is true to the original story.

Things considered “canon” are basically considered “true” (in the story).

-Similar Words:
Not Canon; Something that isn’t true to the original story.
Head-Canon; Usually used when someone creates their own AU (Alternate Universe), and adds their own “canon” part in their story.

Usually describes fiction.
Often confused with “cannon”.

Can be used in sentences as;
“George was not a canon character is the series, but they used it in their AU, regardless.”

“My AU was not canon to the original plot in the movie, but I think people will like this spin on the story.”

“They had made their own head-canon, where Lucy had survived the explosion.”
Canon by EggyYolkZ October 15, 2021
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In slang, a word used by those who write fanfiction. It refers to the original body of work that the fanfiction came from.
Her fanfiction ideas screwed around with the canon storyline of Buffy: The Vampire Slayer.
Canon by Kathy October 3, 2003
A piece of work -usually in reference to literature- that was written by the original author. Spin-offs, fan fiction, and any work not written by the original author of that fictional universe is considered non-canon.
I got sad at the end of Rurouni Kenshin: Seisouhen. Good thing it took out a lot of chunks from the original plot and wasn't written by Nobuhiro Watsuki, or else it would have been considered canon. :D
~~~~~~~~
Oh my GOD that Naruto fan fiction SUCKED! Thank God it wasn't canon.
canon by gunslingergirlvy_c_e November 1, 2007
A term used especially within gaming communties to differentiate between the official storyline (= canon) and everything which is not, like fanfiction, fanvids, etc.
"A lot of people consider Chell to be the daughter of Cave & Caroline, but it's by no means canon."
Canon by meimeiriver September 17, 2011
default pairings, often used to describe pairings in fanfiction that are claimed to be obvious. in other words, a couple that is heavily promoted or suggested in the show.
Jaden/Syrus is almost as canon to shonen fans as Jaden/Alexis is to het fans.
Canon by the new bat girl January 2, 2006
A fanfiction or pairing that is true to the original work.
Puzzleshipping is so canon, don't you think?
Canon by Aderyn W. December 11, 2011
Canon is a term for official, as in one loves another in most universes.
Gayden: ELEDEAN IS CANON!

Eleanor: NO IT IS FUCKING NOT

Gaylor: YES IT IS #ELEDEAN

Eleanor: SHUT UP JEAFUS

Eleanor: Dean is pretty hot though

Dean: What
Canon by eledean shipper 2k14 October 17, 2014