ash can: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, somewhat dated, with specific technical/military usage.
Quick answer
What does “ash can” mean?
A container, typically made of metal, for holding ashes from a fire or furnace.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A container, typically made of metal, for holding ashes from a fire or furnace.
1. A bomb or depth charge (chiefly military slang). 2. Something rejected as worthless or a failure (informal).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is strongly associated with American English, particularly in its literal domestic sense and in film noir (e.g., 'ashcan school'). In British English, 'dustbin' or 'rubbish bin' is more common for general refuse; 'ash bin' or 'coal scuttle' might be used for fireplace ashes.
Connotations
In AmE, it can evoke early 20th-century urban life, poverty, or police/detective genres. In BrE, it is more likely recognized from American media or in specific technical/military contexts.
Frequency
Considerably more frequent in American English. Rare in contemporary British everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “ash can” in a Sentence
empty the ash cankick [object] like an ash cantoss something in the ash canlabel something an ash canVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ash can” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The studio decided to ash-can the entire film after the poor test screenings.
American English
- They had to ash-can the prototype after the third major failure.
adjective
American English
- He had an ash-can quality to his paintings, all urban decay and shadows.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Metaphorical: 'The project was thrown in the ash can after the budget review.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical/art contexts: 'The Ashcan School artists depicted gritty urban realism.'
Everyday
Declining use. Primarily older generations or in specific contexts (fireplaces, wood stoves).
Technical
Used in some industrial/military contexts for waste containers or as dated slang for a depth charge.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ash can”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ash can”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ash can”
- Spelling as one word 'ashcan' or hyphenated 'ash-can' is also correct.
- Confusing it with 'trash can' when referring specifically to ashes from combustion.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. An ash can is specifically for ashes from fires/furnaces. A trash can is for general refuse. In practice, the terms can blur, especially in American English.
A group of early 20th-century American realist artists (like Robert Henri) who painted scenes of everyday urban life, often gritty and poor. The name was originally derogatory.
Yes, informally, meaning to discard or cancel something (e.g., 'They ashed-can the whole plan').
No, it is quite rare. 'Dustbin', 'rubbish bin', or more specific terms like 'coal scuttle' are preferred.
A container, typically made of metal, for holding ashes from a fire or furnace.
Ash can is usually informal, somewhat dated, with specific technical/military usage. in register.
Ash can: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæʃ kæn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæʃ ˌkæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “kick the can (down the road) - related conceptually but not directly”
- “toss in the ash can of history”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of ASH from a fire going into a CAN, like a trash can just for ashes.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINERS FOR WASTE ARE FOR FAILURES/WORTHLESS THINGS (e.g., 'That idea belongs in the ash can of history.').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'ash can' used as dated military slang?