tin can

noun

1. can ²( def 1 ).
2. U.S. Navy Slang. a destroyer.

tin can

noun

1. a metal food container, esp when empty

Word History and Origins

Origin of tin can¹

An Americanism dating back to 1760–70

Example Sentences

Researchers wanted to measure landfill methane from in the atmosphere, so they slapped methane sensors onto an airplane which then circled the air above landfills higher and higher into the air, as if it were tracing a giant tin can.

From Voice of San Diego

We see the vision progress throughout the show, from early gigs decorated with lights fashioned from dumpster-sourced tin cans to Selena’s first deal with a major record label.

From Washington Post

Most of us must live from the box and the bottle and the tin-can; we are even feeding our cattle from the factory and the bag.

From Project Gutenberg

A hat or tin-can is placed on the ground between a player's feet, whose name is "It."

From Project Gutenberg

Rosie was playing on the floor with Delia and the puppy that she had rescued from the tin-can persecution.

From Project Gutenberg

Lose the house or parade the family skeletons all diked out in pink sashes and tin-can labels.

From Project Gutenberg

His visitors sat up agaze, with "Vienny" sausages poised between tin-can and lip, dripping grease on their khaki-clad knees.

From Project Gutenberg