Definition Definition

can - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'can' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Can
- an obs. form of began, imp. & p. p. of Begin, sometimes used in old poetry. [See Gan.]
2 . Can [ n.]
- A drinking cup; a vessel for holding liquids.
- A vessel or case of tinned iron or of sheet metal, of various forms, but usually cylindrical; as, a can of tomatoes; an oil can; a milk can.
3 . Can [ v. t.]
- To preserve by putting in sealed cans
4 . Can [ v. t. & i.]
- To know; to understand.
- To be able to do; to have power or influence.
- To be able; -- followed by an infinitive without to; as, I can go, but do not wish to.

Meaning of 'can' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . can [ n]
Meaning (1):
- the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
Example in sentence:
  • are you going to sit on your fanny and do nothing?;
  • he deserves a good kick in the butt
2 . can [ v]
Meaning (2):
- terminate the employment of; discharge from an office or position
Example in sentence:
  • The boss fired his secretary today;
  • The company terminated 25% of its workers
Meaning (3):
- preserve in a can or tin
Example in sentence:
  • tinned foods are not very tasty