can
verb (1)
\ kən, ˈkan
also ˈken; dialectal ˈkin\
also ˈken; dialectal ˈkin\
past could\ kəd , ˈku̇d
\;
present singular & plural can
\;
present singular & plural can
Definition of can
(Entry 1 of 5)
archaic
: to have knowledge or skill
1a
: know how to
She can read.
b
: be physically or mentally able to
He can lift 200 pounds.
c
—used to indicate possibility Do you think he can still be alive?Those things can happen. —sometimes used interchangeably with may
d
: be permitted by conscience or feeling to
can hardly blame her
e
: be made possible or probable by circumstances to
he can hardly have meant that
f
: be inherently able or designed to
everything that money can buy
g
: be logically or axiologically able to
2 + 2 can also be written 3 + 1.
h
: be enabled by law, agreement, or custom to
Congress can declare war.
2
: have permission to
—used interchangeably with may You can go now if you like.
can
noun
\ ˈkan
\
\
plural cans
Definition of can (Entry 2 of 5)
1
: a usually cylindrical receptacle:
a
: a vessel for holding liquids
specifically
: a drinking vessel
… in his hand did bear a boozing can … — Edmund Spenser
b
: a usually metal typically cylindrical receptacle usually with an open top, often with a removable cover, and sometimes with a spout or side handles (as for holding liquid or trash)
c
: a container (as of tinplate) in which products (such as perishable foods) are hermetically sealed for preservation until use
a can of beans
d
: a jar for packing or preserving fruit or vegetables
e
: a recessed lighting fixture
Augment natural light with recessed cans in the ceiling, sconces on side walls, or a table lamp on a shelf …— Jill Connors
3 informal
a
: toilet
sitting on the can
b
: bathroom sense 1
He locked himself in the can and wouldn't come out.
6
informal
: headphone
—usually plural You don't realize just how noisy it is inside a plane until you put on a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones … . I generally leave the noise-cancelling cans on even when I'm not listening to anything at all—the relative quiet makes a long trip less stressful.— Steven Morgenstern
in the can
of a film or videotape
: completed and ready for release