can
1to be able to; have the ability, power, or skill to: She can solve the problem easily, I'm sure.
to know how to: He can play chess, although he's not particularly good at it.
to have the power or means to: A dictator can impose his will on the people.
to have the right or qualifications to: He can change whatever he wishes in the script.
may; have permission to: Can I speak to you for a moment?
to have the possibility: A coin can land on either side.
Obsolete. to know.
Origin of can
1usage note For can
confusables note For can
Words that may be confused with can
Words Nearby can
Other definitions for can (2 of 4)
a sealed container for food, beverages, etc., as of aluminum, sheet iron coated with tin, or other metal: a can of soup.
a receptacle for garbage, ashes, etc.: a trash can.
a bucket, pail, or other container for holding or carrying liquids: water can.
a drinking cup; tankard.
a metal or plastic container for holding film on cores or reels.
Slang. jail (def. 1): He's been in the can for a week.
Slang: Sometimes Vulgar. buttocks.
cans, Slang. a set of headphones designed to cover the ears. : Compare earbuds.
Military Slang.
a depth charge.
a destroyer.
to preserve by sealing in a can, jar, etc.
Slang. to dismiss; fire.
Slang. to throw (something) away.
Slang. to put a stop to: Can that noise!
to record, as on film or tape.
Origin of can
2Other definitions for can. (3 of 4)
canceled.
canon.
canto.
Other definitions for Can. (4 of 4)
Canada.
Canadian.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use can in a sentence
So it's really a take-what-you-can-get kind of situation with him.
‘Scandal’ Review: Olivia Pope Has Lost Her Damn Mind | Kevin Fallon | September 26, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe shards of one can be used to cut someone (never mind the constant availability of soup-can tops).
Prisoners Get Cultural Fix with 8-Tracks and Bootleg Cassettes | Daniel Genis | August 18, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTBut no deal has been as bold as their newest: all-you-can-eat appetizers for the summer.
Video: We Took a Competitive Eater to TGI Fridays for Endless Appetizers—and They Ran Out | Brandy Zadrozny | July 17, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTJust how dedicated is the mega-chain to its new all-you-can-eat summer promotion?
Video: We Took a Competitive Eater to TGI Fridays for Endless Appetizers—and They Ran Out | Brandy Zadrozny | July 17, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTHowever, limit yourself to one plate rather than adopting an all-you-can-eat mindset.
When Is It OK to Cheat? The Pros and Cons of Cheat Days | DailyBurn | July 14, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
From Bungay in Suffolk comes the news that a water-wagtail has built its nest in a milk-can.
When he waded past Captain can-dage he heard the old skipper trying to comfort the girl, his voice low and broken by sobs.
Blow The Man Down | Holman DayHe kept his worms there, between his cap lining and his hair; it saved the trouble of a bait-can.
Thirty Years in Australia | Ada Cambridge"Mind old Jerry's ghost doesn't catch hold of you," cried her waggish brother Jack, as she crossed the threshold, tea-can in hand.
Little Folks (November 1884) | VariousBob, Bob, massa him want can-noo go see great big ship mighty quick.
Duffels | Edward Eggleston
British Dictionary definitions for can (1 of 3)
/ (kæn, unstressed kən) /
used as an auxiliary to indicate ability, skill, or fitness to perform a task: I can run a mile in under four minutes
used as an auxiliary to indicate permission or the right to something: can I have a drink?
used as an auxiliary to indicate knowledge of how to do something: he can speak three languages fluently
used as an auxiliary to indicate the possibility, opportunity, or likelihood: my trainer says I can win the race if I really work hard
Origin of can
1can
British Dictionary definitions for can (2 of 3)
/ (kæn) /
a container, esp for liquids, usually of thin sheet metal: a petrol can; beer can
another name (esp US) for tin (def. 2)
Also called: canful the contents of a can or the amount a can will hold
a slang word for prison
US and Canadian a slang word for toilet or buttocks: See toilet
US navy a slang word for destroyer
navy slang a depth charge
a shallow cylindrical metal container of varying size used for storing and handling film
can of worms informal a complicated problem
carry the can See carry (def. 37)
in the can
(of a film, piece of music, etc) having been recorded, processed, edited, etc
informal arranged or agreed: the contract is almost in the can
to put (food, etc) into a can or cans; preserve in a can
(tr) US slang to dismiss from a job
(tr) US informal to stop (doing something annoying or making an annoying noise) (esp in the phrase can it!)
(tr) informal to reject or discard
Origin of can
2British Dictionary definitions for Can. (3 of 3)
Canada
Canadian
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with can
In addition to the idioms beginning with can
- can do with
- canned laughter
- can of worms
also see:
- as best one can
- before you can say Jack Robinson
- bite off more than one can chew
- carry the can
- catch as catch can
- game that two can play
- get the ax (can)
- in the can
- more than one can shake a stick at
- no can do
- you can bet your ass
- you can lead a horse to water
- you can say that again
- you never can tell
Also see undercan't.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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