Dictionary.com

ashcan

[ ash-kan ]
/ ˈæʃˌkæn /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for ashcan on Thesaurus.com
noun
a large metal barrel, can, or similar receptacle for ashes, garbage, or refuse.
Slang. a depth charge.
Movies. an arc light of 1000 watts, enclosed in a reflector.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of ashcan

First recorded in 1895–1900; ash1 + can2

Words nearby ashcan

Ashbery, ash-blond, Ashburton, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, ashcake, ashcan, ashcan school, Ashcroft, Ashdod, Ashdown, Ashe
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to ashcan

dustbin, trash can, wastebasket, circular file, wastepaper basket, skip

How to use ashcan in a sentence

  • It is to be published on sugar-cured oilskin, the edition to be limited to two numbered copies—one for me and one for the ashcan.

    Bizarre|Lawton Mackall

  • Paul thought it time to beat a silent retreat in the direction of the ashcan he had selected as his cover.

    The Banner Boy Scouts on a Tour|George A. Warren

British Dictionary definitions for ashcan

ash can
noun
a US word for dustbin Also called: garbage can, ash bin, trash can
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
FEEDBACK