can¹ Definition
can (kan; unstressed, kən)
could
- know(s) how to
- am, are, or is able to
- am, are, or is likely or at all likely to can that be true?
- have or has the moral or legal right to
- Informal am, are, or is permitted to; may
Etymology: ME < OE, 1st & 3d pers. sing., pres. indic., of cunnan, know, have power to, be able; common Gmc < IE base *gen-, *gno- > L gnoscere, know; orig. meaning “to be able mentally or spiritually,” as distinguished from may, “to be able physically”
intransitive verb
- know(s) how
- am, are, or is able yes I can
- am, are, or is likely or at all likely
- have or has the moral or legal right
- Informal am, are, or is permitted; may
transitive verb
Obsolete know(s)
Usage Note traditional grammar makes a clear distinction between can (for ability) and may (for permission), the classic example being the retort, “Yes, you can go, but you may not”; in everyday speech and writing, however, can is generally accepted for both meanings, with may being used only when the notion of permission is important to the sense of an utterance and there is a possibility of ambiguity
can¹ Idioms
can but
can only
can² Definition
can (kan)
noun
- a container of various kinds, usually made of metal with a separate cover a milk can, a garbage can, a can of shoe polish
- ☆ a container made of tinned iron or other metal, in which foods or other perishable products are sealed for preservation
- ☆ the amount that a can holds
- ☆ Slang
- a prison
- the buttocks
- a toilet
- tin can (sense )
Etymology: ME & OE canne, a cup, container < Gmc *kanna (> LL canna, a vessel); prob. < IE base *gan(dh), container > MIr gann, ON kani
transitive verb canned, can′·ning
- to put up in airtight cans or jars for preservation
- Slang
- to dismiss; discharge
- to put an end to; stop
can² Idioms
in the can
recorded, filmed, taped, etc. but not yet released for sale, exhibition, broadcast, viewing, etc.
Can Definition
Can
- Canada
- Canadian
- Canon
can Synonyms
can
n.
can Synonyms
can
v.
CAN (CANcel): Telecom Definition
can Usage Examples
Preposition: of
water: He half-filled a can of water and carried it into the cabin.
Converse of object
- throw: English fans stoned and threw beer cans at portuguese fans in Gelsenkirchen ( witnessed by a portuguese TV crew ).
- put: P.S I've put a full can of Kronenbourg down and can't find it.
- take: Everything outside must seem very remote. ' She took the can and turned to leave.
Adjective modifier
full: P.S I've put a full can of Kronenbourg down and can't find it.
Modifies a noun
GP: Sexual health services can also arrange hepatitis C testing as can GPs.
Noun used with modifier
- watering: If you know it is going to rain leave your watering cans outside to catch the water.
- beer: English fans stoned and threw beer cans at portuguese fans in Gelsenkirchen ( witnessed by a portuguese TV crew ).
Browse dictionary entries near can
- ‹ Camus
- ‹ camshaft
- ‹ campylotropous
- ‹ campy
- ‹ campus
- ‹ campstool
- ‹ campsite
- ‹ Campos
- ‹ camporee
- ‹ Campobello
- can-do ›
- CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 ›
- can't ›
- Cana ›
- Canaan ›
- Canaanite ›
- Canad ›
- Canada ›
- Canada balsam ›
- Canada Day ›

