ashcan

[ash-kan]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ashcan¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; ash ¹ + can ²

Example Sentences

“The United States is supposed to be the leader of the world and some punks are letting it go to the ashcan. We obviously need some housecleaning.”

From Los Angeles Times

But Kane’s obvious stylistic forerunner is Samuel Beckett, though she never veils desolation in allegorical trees or ashcans.

From New York Times

The 1940s sundered the 20th century, dispatching an entire global framework and any number of abiding social orders to the ashcan of history.

From The Guardian

“The names of Joshua Wong, Alex Chow and Nathan Law will be remembered long after the names of those who have persecuted them have been forgotten and swept into the ashcan of history.”

From The Guardian

I thought of the gang dumping ashcans on Third Avenue and soaping up the windows.

From Literature

Related Words

• dustbin 
• trash can