canned

American  

[kand] / kænd /

adjective

1. preserved in a can or jar.

   canned peaches.

2. Informal. recorded.

   canned music.

3. Informal. prepared in advance.

   a canned speech.

4. Slang. drunk.

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canned British  

/ kænd /

adjective

1. preserved and stored in airtight cans or tins

   canned meat

2. informal prepared or recorded in advance; artificial; not spontaneous

   canned music

3. a slang word for drunk

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Other Word Forms

• uncanned adjective
• well-canned adjective

Etymology

Origin of canned

First recorded in 1855–60; can ² + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Researchers believe this method could be applied to other archived seafood, such as canned sardines, offering a new way to explore historical ecosystems.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

A husband-and-wife pair of actors marketed “authentic” canned smog.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Adjusted earnings declined 13%, pressured by cost inflation and higher tariffs—primarily on steel and aluminum used in canned foods.

From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026

He said that people were shopping and stocking up on canned food.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

Nathan washed up and went to the kitchen inside the mobile home, where Nali had made ham-and-cheese sandwiches with some canned vegetables.

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young

Related Words

• bottled