garbage can
noun
a container, usually of metal or plastic, for the disposal of waste matter, especially kitchen refuse.
garbage cans
-
pluralof garbage can.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Green garbage cans were lined up along the entrance to the lot, for people to store their belongings in if they wanted to go into shelters.
From Slate ● Mar. 25, 2026
They have lost interest in the mundane—how cereal boxes, air conditioners, fish-stick packages or garbage cans will change over the coming years.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 30, 2025
Raccoons are known for breaking into peoples garbage cans, leading to the nickname "trash panda".
From BBC ● Dec. 12, 2025
On the chopping block are hundreds — and potentially thousands — of park rangers who respond to medical emergencies, as well as visitor center employees and the crews that clean bathrooms and empty garbage cans.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 30, 2025
I quick open one of the garbage cans behind me and grab a bag of garbage.
From "Liar & Spy" by Rebecca Stead
