definitions

ashcan

[ ash-kan ]
/ ˈæʃˌkæn /
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SEE MORE 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.

Nearby words

ashanti, ashbery, ashburton, ashby-de-la-zouch, ashcake, ashcan, ashcan school, ashcroft, ashdod, ashdown, ashe

Origin of ashcan

First recorded in 1895–1900; ash1 + can2
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for ashcan

  • 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