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Keyword cannibalization is when two or more pages on the same site target the same search and compete with each other, so search engines may show the wrong page or switch between them. It is an SEO term, not a Google term, and it describes a common planning mistake.
In short
Spot it in Search Console: filter by a query and look at the Pages tab. If several of your pages appear for it and none stands out, they may be splitting the signal. It is a problem when the pages serve the same purpose. Pages with different purposes, such as a guide and a service page, can share a word without competing.
Decide which page should own the search. Merge the others into it, rewrite them for a different purpose, or link them to the main page with clear anchor text. If you remove a page, redirect it once to the closest replacement. Then recheck Search Console after a few weeks.
Planning pages so each has one job is covered in our page planning and audits.
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