can

A1
Pronunciation
/ˈkæn/
/ˈkæn/
/ˈkæːn/
/ˈkæn/
Noun
11 definition(s)
1 Definition

A more or less cylindrical vessel for liquids, usually of steel or aluminium, but sometimes of plastic, and with a carrying handle over the top.

2 Definition

A container used to carry and dispense water for plants (a watering can).

3 Definition

A tin-plate canister, often cylindrical, for preserved foods such as fruit, meat, or fish.

4 Definition

A chamber pot, now a toilet or lavatory.

Example Sentences
  • Bob's in the can. You can wait a few minutes or just leave it with me.
5 Definition

Buttocks.

6 Definition

Jail or prison.

Example Sentences
  • Bob's in the can. He won't be back for a few years.
7 Definition

(in the plural) Headphones.

8 Definition

A drinking cup.

9 Definition

A cube-shaped buoy or marker used to denote a port-side lateral mark

10 Definition

A chimney pot.

11 Definition

(in the plural) an E-meter used in Scientology auditing.

Verb
11 definition(s)
1 Definition

(auxiliary verb, defective) To know how to; to be able to.

Synonyms
be able to
Antonyms
can't can’t cannot
Example Sentences
  • She can speak English, French, and German.   I can play football.   Can you remember your fifth birthday?
2 Definition

(modal auxiliary verb, defective) May; to be permitted or enabled to.

Synonyms
may
Example Sentences
  • You can go outside and play when you're finished with your homework.   Can I use your pen?
3 Definition

(modal auxiliary verb, defective) To have the potential to; be possible.

Example Sentences
  • Animals can experience emotions.
4 Definition

(auxiliary verb, defective) Used with verbs of perception.

Example Sentences
  • Can you hear that?.
5 Definition

To know.

Synonyms
cognize grok ken
6 Definition

To seal in a can.

Example Sentences
  • They canned air to sell as a novelty to tourists.
7 Definition

To preserve by heating and sealing in a jar or can.

Example Sentences
  • They spent August canning fruit and vegetables.
8 Definition

To discard, scrap or terminate (an idea, project, etc.).

Example Sentences
  • He canned the whole project because he thought it would fail.
9 Definition

To shut up.

Example Sentences
  • Can your gob.
10 Definition

To fire or dismiss an employee.

Example Sentences
  • The boss canned him for speaking out.
11 Definition

To hole the ball.