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\ kən , ˈkan also ˈken ; dialectal ˈkin \

past could \ kəd , ˈku̇d \ ; present singular & plural can

Definition of can (Entry 1 of 5) auxiliary verb 1 a : be physically or mentally able to He can lift 200 pounds. b : know how to She can read. c — used to indicate possibility Do you think he can still be alive? Those things can happen. — sometimes used interchangeably with may d : be inherently able or designed to everything that money can buy e : be enabled by law, agreement, or custom to Congress can declare war. f : be permitted by conscience or feeling to can hardly blame her g : be made possible or probable by circumstances to He can hardly have meant that. h : be logically or axiologically able to 2 + 2 can also be written 3 + 1. 2 : have permission to — used interchangeably with may You can go now if you like. transitive verb 1 archaic : to be able to do, make, or accomplish 2 obsolete : know , understand intransitive verb archaic : to have knowledge or skill

can noun

\ ˈkan \

plural cans

Definition of can (Entry 2 of 5) 1 : a usually cylindrical receptacle: a : a container (as of tinplate) in which products (such as perishable foods) are hermetically sealed for preservation until use a can of beans b : a usually metal typically cylindrical receptacle usually with an open top, often with a removable cover, and sometimes with a spout or side handles (as for holding liquid or trash) c : a jar for packing or preserving fruit or vegetables d : a vessel for holding liquids specifically : a drinking vessel … in his hand did bear a boozing can … — Edmund Spenser e : a recessed lighting fixture Augment natural light with recessed cans in the ceiling, sconces on side walls, or a table lamp on a shelf … — Jill Connors 2 informal : buttocks He needs a kick in the can . 3 informal a : toilet sitting on the can b : bathroom sense 1 He locked himself in the can and wouldn't come out. 4 informal : jail The cops threw him in the can . 5 slang : destroyer sense 2 served on a can during the battle 6 informal : headphone — usually plural You don't realize just how noisy it is inside a plane until you put on a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones … . I generally leave the noise-cancelling cans on even when I'm not listening to anything at all—the relative quiet makes a long trip less stressful. — Steven Morgenstern in the can of a film or videotape : completed and ready for release

\ ˈkan \

canned ; canning

Definition of can (Entry 3 of 5) transitive verb 1 a : to put in a can : preserve by sealing in airtight cans or jars can tomatoes b : to hit (a golf shot) into the cup c : to hit (a shot) in basketball 2 : to discharge from employment got canned for being late so often 3 slang : to put a stop or end to were told to can the chatter

Definition of can (Entry 4 of 5) 1 canceled; cancellation 2 cannon 3 canto

variants: or Canad

Definition of Can (Entry 5 of 5) Canada; Canadian

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Other Words from can Noun canful \ ˈkan-​ˌfu̇l \ noun Verb (2) canner noun

Can vs. May : Usage Guide Verb (1) Can and may are most frequently interchangeable in uses denoting possibility; because the possibility of one's doing something may depend on another's acquiescence, they have also become interchangeable in the sense denoting permission. The use of can to ask or grant permission has been common since the 19th century and is well established, although some commentators feel may is more appropriate in formal contexts. May is relatively rare in negative constructions (mayn't is not common); cannot and can't are usual in such contexts.

First Known Use of can Verb (1) before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2 Noun before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1 Verb (2) 1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for can Verb (1) Middle English (1st & 3rd singular present indicative), from Old English; akin to Old High German kan (1st & 3rd singular present indicative) know, am able, Old English cnāwan to know — more at know Noun Middle English canne, from Old English; akin to Old High German channa

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More Definitions for can can noun English Language Learners Definition of can : a closed metal container that is usually shaped like a cylinder and that holds food or drink : the food or drink that is in a can : a metal or plastic container that has a removable top and that is used for holding liquid, trash, etc. See the full definition for can in the English Language Learners Dictionary can helping verb \ kən , ˈkan \ past could \ kəd , ˈku̇d \ ; present singular & plural can Kids Definition of can (Entry 1 of 4) 1 : know how to We can read. 2 : be able to I can hear you. 3 : be permitted by conscience or feeling to They can hardly blame me. 4 : have permission to You can go now. 5 : to be possible Can he still be alive? can noun \ ˈkan \ Kids Definition of can (Entry 2 of 4) 1 : a metal container usually shaped like a cylinder a soda can 2 : the contents of a can Add a can of tomatoes. can verb \ ˈkan \ canned ; canning Kids Definition of can (Entry 3 of 4) : to prepare for later use by sealing in an airtight can or jar Let's can peaches for winter. Can., Canad. abbreviation Kids Definition of Can. 1 Canada 2 Canadian

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