Definition of can2

can2noun

có thể2

/kæn//kæn/

Word OriginOld English canne, related to Dutch kan and German Kanne; either of Germanic origin or from late Latin canna.

namespace

a metal container in which food and drink is sold

Example:
  • a can of beans/beer/soda
  • a beer can
  • He opened the can and took a large swig.
  • an aluminium/tin can
Extra examples:
  • She sipped from a can of Coke.
  • The floor was littered with empty food cans.
  • This special type of milk comes in a can.
  • We opened a can of sardines for lunch.
  • a 200 g can of tuna

the amount contained in a can

Example:
  • We drank a can of Coke each.
  • Have you eaten the whole can?

a metal or plastic container for holding or carrying liquids

Example:
  • an oil can
  • He filled a can with water from the pump.

Related words and phrases

a metal container in which liquids are kept under pressure and let out in a fine spray when you press a button on the top

Example:
  • a can of hairspray

Related words and phrases

prison

the toilet

Idioms

be in the can
(informal)to be completed and ready for use
a can of worms
(informal)if you open up a can of worms, you start doing something that will cause a lot of problems and be very difficult
carry the can (for something/somebody)
(British English, informal)to accept the blame for something, especially when it is not your fault
kick the can (down the road)
(informal)to delay dealing with a problem
  • This is another attempt to kick the can down the road and leave it to the next generation.