can opener

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noun

a manual device or small electric appliance for opening cans.

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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.

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Origin of can opener

First recorded in 1865–70

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use can opener in a sentence

But duralumin, probably, a very light, strong alloy; and what I have here is a hunting knife with a can-opener on one end!
Astounding Stories, July, 1931|Various
"Sure, you can have a can-opener for your emblem," said Dorry Benton.
Pee-Wee Harris Adrift|Percy Keese Fitzhugh
There are a few little gifts,—a pocketknife and a kitchen set of knife, fork, and can-opener for Olson.
Wilderness, A Journal of Quiet Adventure in Alaska|Rockwell Kent
He then said that he would swim home for his tools, as he had forgotten the can-opener.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 158, February 4, 1920|Various

But what's the use of wishing for luxuries, when we haven't even a can-opener—Dinky-Dunk says he's used a hatchet for over a year!
The Prairie Wife|Arthur Stringer

British Dictionary definitions for can opener

can-opener

noun

another name for tin-opener

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