ashcan

[ ash-kan ]
/ ˈæʃˌkæn /
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.

QUIZZES

CHALLENGE YOURSELF WITH THESE WORDS FROM "LITTLE WOMEN"

"Little Women" may be a classic, but that doesn't mean we all know the meanings of the vocab words from the book. Can you define these words correctly and make Jo proud?
Question 1 of 10
earnest
full seriousness, as of intention or purpose.
a feeling of dread, anxiety, or anguish.
urgent character; imperativeness; insistence; importunateness.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of ashcan

First recorded in 1895–1900; ash1 + can2

Words nearby ashcan

ashanti, ashbery, 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. 2020

Words related to ashcan

dustbin, wastebasket, skip

Example sentences 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