ashcan: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, primarily North American
Quick answer
What does “ashcan” mean?
A large, usually metal container for household rubbish, ashes, or waste.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, usually metal container for household rubbish, ashes, or waste.
Informal term for a scrap or rubbish heap; metaphorically used for something discarded, of low quality, or placed in obscurity (e.g., 'ashcan art').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Predominantly an American term. The British equivalent is 'dustbin' or 'rubbish bin'. 'Ashcan' is not used in contemporary British English.
Connotations
In AmE, it can have a dated, urban, or industrial connotation. The 'Ashcan School' of art gives it a specific cultural reference.
Frequency
Low frequency in modern AmE, largely replaced by 'trash can' or 'garbage can'. Historical or metaphorical use ('ashcan of history') persists.
Grammar
How to Use “ashcan” in a Sentence
[Verb] the ashcanthrow [something] into the ashcan[Noun] + of the ashcanVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ashcan” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The alley was cluttered with an old metal ashcan.
American English
- He tossed the empty bottle into the rusted ashcan.
verb
American English
- The studio decided to ashcan the entire project after poor test screenings.
adjective
American English
- The film had a gritty, ashcan aesthetic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in art history (Ashcan School) and historical/cultural studies.
Everyday
Rare in contemporary speech; understood but considered old-fashioned.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ashcan”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ashcan”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ashcan”
- Using 'ashcan' to mean a small, indoor bin.
- Assuming it is common in modern British English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an American term. The British equivalents are 'dustbin' or 'rubbish bin'.
A group of early 20th-century American realist painters who depicted gritty, everyday urban scenes.
Yes, informally in American English, meaning to discard or cancel something (e.g., 'ashcan a project').
No, it is considered dated. 'Trash can' or 'garbage can' are more common in American English.
A large, usually metal container for household rubbish, ashes, or waste.
Ashcan is usually informal, primarily north american in register.
Ashcan: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæʃkæn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæʃˌkæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “consign to the ashcan of history”
- “ashcan art”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of ASH from a fire + CAN as a container. A can for ashes.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR WORTHLESS THINGS / THE PAST IS AN ASHCAN.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most likely modern American synonym for 'ashcan' in everyday use?