Canoe Ca*noe", n.; pl. Canoes. [Sp. canoa, fr. Caribbean can['a]oa.] 1. A boat used by rude nations, formed of trunk of a tree, excavated, by cutting of burning, into a suitable shape. It is propelled by a paddle or paddles, or sometimes by sail, and has no rudder. Others devised the boat of one tree, called the canoe. --Raleigh. 2. A boat made of bark or skins, used by savages. A birch canoe, with paddles, rising, falling, on the water. --Longfellow. 3. A light pleasure boat, especially designed for use by one who goes alone upon long excursions, including portage. It it propelled by a paddle, or by a small sail attached to a temporary mast.