Can

English Meaning

A drinking cup; a vessel for holding liquids.

1. Used to indicate physical or mental ability: I can carry both suitcases. Can you remember the war?
2. Used to indicate possession of a specified power, right, or privilege: The President can veto congressional bills.
3. Used to indicate possession of a specified capability or skill: I can tune the harpsichord as well as play it.
4. Used to indicate possibility or probability: I wonder if my long lost neighbor can still be alive. Such things can and do happen.
5. Used to indicate that which is permitted, as by conscience or feelings: One can hardly blame you for being upset.
6. Used to indicate probability or possibility under the specified circumstances: They can hardly have intended to do that.
7. Usage Problem Used to request or grant permission: Can I be excused?
8. A usually cylindrical metal container.
9. An airtight container, usually made of tin-coated iron, in which foods or beverages are preserved.
10. The contents of such a container.
11. Slang A jail or prison.
12. Slang A toilet or restroom.
13. Slang The buttocks.
14. Slang A naval destroyer.
15. To seal in an airtight container for future use; preserve: canning peaches.
16. Slang To make a recording of: can the audience's applause for a TV comedy show.
17. Slang To dismiss from employment or school. See Synonyms at dismiss.
18. Slang To put a stop to; quit: Let's can the chatter.
19. can of worms A complex or difficult problem.
20. in the can Completed and ready for release, as a film or scene of a film.