tin can

American  

noun

1. can.

2. U.S. Navy Slang. a destroyer.

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tin can British  

noun

1. a metal food container, esp when empty

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Etymology

Origin of tin can

An Americanism dating back to 1760–70

Example Sentences

Residents have responded in kind, posting a picture of a tin can phone to signal their slide back to the pre-digital age.

From The Wall Street Journal

I tried lighting a smudge in a tin can in the middle of the canoe as I paddled—which worked for mosquitoes—but it didn’t bother the flies at all.

From Literature

She treasured every tin can that came to our home.

From Literature

“It’s not the same on this rolling tin can without you.”

From Literature

As he passes along this cost, some customers are switching from tin cans to paper and plastic containers.

From The Wall Street Journal