garbage can

noun

1. a container, usually of metal or plastic, for the disposal of waste matter, especially kitchen refuse.

garbage can

noun

1. Also called: ash bin.  ash can.  trash can.  dustbin. a large, usually cylindrical container for refuse, esp one used by a household

Word History and Origins

Origin of garbage can¹

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10

Example Sentences

The climactic confrontation reaches its peak intensity after a Black man dies in a police officer’s choke hold and Mookie heaves a garbage can through the pizzeria’s window.

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Once, he even called out a Reds player’s lack of hustle on the basepaths — and ended up stuffed in a garbage can.

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A few minutes later I came upon another man, who was digging through a garbage can for something to drink.

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In her clip, the bear and the coyote are seemingly enjoying the spoils of a spilled garbage can, surveying the neighborhood while they weigh their next move.

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When the dog found the correct garbage can, officers eventually knocked it over.

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Related Words

• dustbin 
• trash can