Canvas meaning : A type of coarse cloth, woven from hemp, useful for making sails and tents or as a surface for paintings. A piece of canvas cloth stretched across a frame on which one may paint. A basis for creative work. A region on which graphics can be rendered. Sails in general. A tent. A painting, or a picture on canvas. A rough draft or model of a song, air, or other literary or musical composition; especially one to show a poet the measure of the verses he is to make. Alternative spelling of canvass. To cover an area or object with canvas. Alternative spelling of canvass.