canadian legion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, institutional, historical, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “canadian legion” mean?
A major veterans' organization in Canada, originally founded for First World War veterans and now serving all Canadian veterans and their families.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A major veterans' organization in Canada, originally founded for First World War veterans and now serving all Canadian veterans and their families.
A nationwide charitable organization providing support, advocacy, and community services to Canadian veterans, promoting remembrance, and operating local branches (Legion halls) as social and community hubs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No direct UK equivalent; the term is uniquely Canadian. In the UK, similar functions are served by the 'Royal British Legion'. In the US, analogous organizations include the 'American Legion' or 'Veterans of Foreign Wars'.
Connotations
In Canada, strongly associated with Remembrance Day, poppies, community halls, and support for veterans. In other Anglophone countries, the specific name signals a Canadian context.
Frequency
High frequency in Canadian English, especially around Remembrance Day (November). Low frequency in other dialects except in discussions of Canadian society or comparative veterans' organizations.
Grammar
How to Use “canadian legion” in a Sentence
supports [the Canadian Legion]donated to [the Canadian Legion]a member of [the Canadian Legion]the [Canadian Legion] hall hosted[The Canadian Legion] providesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “canadian legion” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The community Legioned together to fundraise.
American English
- They Legioned for veterans' rights.
adverb
British English
- The hall was run Legion-style, with strict charter rules.
American English
- They organized the event Legion-appropriately.
adjective
British English
- It was a proper Legion event with standards and ceremony.
American English
- He has a strong Legion background.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in CSR contexts: 'The company matched employee donations to the Canadian Legion.'
Academic
Used in Canadian history, sociology, or political science papers discussing veterans' affairs or social organizations.
Everyday
Common in Canadian communities: 'We're having the wedding reception at the Legion hall.' or 'Don't forget to get your poppy from the Legion.'
Technical
Used in military, veterans' administration, or non-profit organizational contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “canadian legion”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “canadian legion”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “canadian legion”
- Writing in lower case ('canadian legion').
- Using 'Canadian Legion' to refer to a sports team or non-veterans group.
- Omitting 'Royal' in formal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, membership is open to serving and former military personnel, RCMP members, their families, and civilians who support the Legion's mission.
The Legion's annual fundraising and awareness campaign in the weeks before Remembrance Day, where symbolic poppies are distributed in exchange for donations to support veterans.
Yes, most Legion branches operate halls that are open to the public for events, dining, and community activities, though some areas may be members-only.
It was founded in 1925 as the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Services League, receiving its 'Royal' prefix in 1960.
A major veterans' organization in Canada, originally founded for First World War veterans and now serving all Canadian veterans and their families.
Canadian legion is usually formal, institutional, historical, journalistic in register.
Canadian legion: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈneɪ.di.ən ˈliː.dʒən/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈneɪ.di.ən ˈliː.dʒən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Legion strong”
- “true to the Legion”
- “a Legion man/woman”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CANadian LEGION: CANada's LEGacy of supporting veterans.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORGANIZATION IS A PILLAR (of the community, of remembrance).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary role of the Canadian Legion?