can
- noun
- /kæn/
- US
- -Deep-fried wontons, green onion cake, sliced barbequed pork, egg rolls, and... a couple cans of cola.
- two cans
Examples
-
In his free hand, he holds a can of orange soda called Jump.
Fiction book (1990) -
She opened a can of peas for dinner.
-
Currently, the rate for the second can is almost double that for the first can.
Academic text (1998) -
Because you just opened up a can of corn.
-
Jimmy returned with an unopened can of Wilson balls, which he handed over to Paula.
Fiction book (1991) -
I bought a can of tuna at the grocery store.
-
We need to recycle this empty can after we use it.
Synonyms
The amount that fills a can
Idioms
- Offensive
To attack or punish someone suddenly and violently, often for something they did
- Informal
To not recognize someone at all because you have never met them
Compounds
A small metal or plastic container that holds liquid under pressure and sprays a fine mist
- Literature
Putting off dealing with a difficult issue instead of making a decision now
A 2002 American film by Steven Spielberg starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks
- Specialized
A place on a computer where deleted files stay before they are removed for good
- Specialized
A floating marker like a metal drum that shows a channel edge or danger in the water
How Much
Surface Forms
Etymology
Can meaning the 'amount' comes from the container sense: it names the amount that fits in one metal can, so it simply talks about how much is in a single can.