can Hear it!

can1 definition

can (kan; unstressed, kən)

auxiliary verb could

  1. know(s) how to
  2. am, are, or is able to
  3. am, are, or is likely or at all likely to can that be true?
  4. have or has the moral or legal right to
  5. 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

  1. know(s) how
  2. am, are, or is able yes I can
  3. am, are, or is likely or at all likely
  4. have or has the moral or legal right
  5. Informal am, are, or is permitted; may

transitive verb

Obsolete know(s)
can Idioms

can but

can only
can2 definition

can (kan)

noun

  1. a container of various kinds, usually made of metal with a separate cover a milk can, a garbage can, a can of shoe polish
  2. ☆ a container made of tinned iron or other metal, in which foods or other perishable products are sealed for preservation
  3. ☆ the amount that a can holds
  4. Slang
    1. a prison
    2. the buttocks
    3. a toilet
    4. 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, canning can′·ning

  1. to put up in airtight cans or jars for preservation
  2. Slang
    1. to dismiss; discharge
    2. to put an end to; stop
can Idioms

in the can

recorded, filmed, taped, etc. but not yet released for sale, exhibition, broadcast, viewing, etc.
Can definition

Can

  1. Canada
  2. Canadian
  3. Canon

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Comments
Improve this definition.
Do you have more to add? Share your linguistic knowledge or observation.
/Register to save your comments.
Related Discussions (40)
TopicRepliesLatest Post
Can This That Clause be Adverbial Clause?2620 hours ago
Can You Read This?164 days ago
Can anybody help me to reveal the phonetic relation of words?243 weeks ago
You can't teach an old dog new tricks401 month ago
can you translate it for me??!191 month ago

See all 40 discussions · Browse Forums