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definitions

ashcan

[ash-kan]
See more synonyms for ashcan on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. a large metal barrel, can, or similar receptacle for ashes, garbage, or refuse.
  2. Slang. a depth charge.
  3. Movies. an arc light of 1000 watts, enclosed in a reflector.

Origin of ashcan

First recorded in 1895–1900; ash1 + can2
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for ashcan

dustbin, wastebasket, ashcan, skip

Examples from the Web for ashcan

Historical Examples of 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.