can

[kæn]

can Definition

• 1. to be able to
• 2. a container for holding liquids or food
• 3. a metal container used for preserving food

Using can: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "can" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I can swim.

• Example

  Can you speak Spanish?

• Example

  He can run faster than me.

• Example

  She put the soup in a can.

• Example

  I need a can of tomatoes for the recipe.

can Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for can

• container
• tin
• able to
• tin can

Phrases with can

• kick the can down the road

  to postpone dealing with a problem or making a decision, often repeatedly

  Example

  The government has been kicking the can down the road on this issue for years.

• in the can

  completed or finished

  Example

  The movie is finally in the can and ready for release.

• can of worms

  a complicated or unpleasant situation that, once started, is likely to become worse

  Example

  Bringing up the topic of politics at dinner was a real can of worms.

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Summary: can in Brief

The word 'can' [kæn] has two main meanings. As a verb, it means 'to be able to', as in 'I can swim.' As a noun, it refers to a container for holding liquids or food, such as 'She put the soup in a can.' 'Can' also has idiomatic phrases like 'kick the can down the road,' meaning to postpone a decision, and 'can of worms,' referring to a complicated situation.