ashcan Definition
- 1a large, cylindrical container for ashes, especially one with a tight-fitting lid
- 2a type of painting that depicts urban life, often in a gritty or unglamorous way
Using ashcan: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ashcan" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The ashcan was full and needed to be emptied.
Example
Ashcan paintings were popular in the early 20th century.
Example
The artist painted a series of ashcan scenes depicting the city's working-class neighborhoods.
ashcan Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for ashcan
- incinerator
- crematory
- cinerary urn
Phrases with ashcan
a group of American artists who painted realistic scenes of everyday life in the early 20th century
Example
The Ashcan School was an important movement in American art history.
Example
The project kicked the ashcan when funding was cut.
a pre-publication copy of a book or magazine that is printed on low-quality paper and distributed for review purposes
Example
The publisher sent out ashcan copies of the new novel to reviewers.
Origins of ashcan
from 'ash' + 'can'
Summary: ashcan in Brief
'Ashcan' [ash-kan] refers to a large, cylindrical container for ashes, or a type of painting that depicts urban life in a gritty or unglamorous way. The term 'ashcan school' denotes a group of American artists who painted realistic scenes of everyday life in the early 20th century. 'Kick the ashcan' means to fail or come to an end, while 'ashcan copy' refers to a pre-publication copy of a book or magazine that is printed on low-quality paper and distributed for review purposes.
