n. 1. A usually cylindrical metal container. 2. a. An airtight container, usually made of tin-coated iron, in which foods or beverages are preserved. b. The contents of such a container: ate a can of beans. 3. Slang A jail or prison. 4. Slang A toilet or restroom. 5. Slang The buttocks. 6. Slang A naval destroyer. v. canned, can·ning, cans v.tr. 1. To seal in an airtight container for future use; preserve: canning peaches. 2. Slang To make a recording of: can the audience's applause for a TV comedy show. 3. Slang a. To end the employment of; fire. See Synonyms at dismiss. b. To put an end or stop to: canned the TV show after one season; told the students to can the chatter. v.intr. Idioms: To solicit cash donations for a charity or other organization such as a club or amateur sports team by holding out a can or other container in a public place. can of corn Sports Something that is easily accomplished, especially a routine catch of a fly ball in baseball. can of worms A complex or difficult problem. in the can Completed and ready for release, as a film or scene of a film. [Middle English canne, a water container, from Old English.] canner n. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
British politician who served as foreign secretary (1807-1809 and 1822-1827) and prime minister (1827). |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.