cans: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Mainly neutral for noun (containers). Informal/slang for headphones/body parts. Informal for verb (dismiss).
Quick answer
What does “cans” mean?
A cylindrical metal container used for storing food, drink, or other substances.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cylindrical metal container used for storing food, drink, or other substances; also refers to headphones (informal slang).
Can refer to multiple individual sealed metal containers, typically for food or beverages (e.g., soup cans, soda cans). In informal British/Australian slang, 'cans' can mean headphones ('put your cans on'). In very informal slang, 'cans' can also refer to female breasts. The verb 'to can' means to preserve in a can or to dismiss someone from a job (informal).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use 'cans' for containers. 'Cans' for headphones is more common in UK/Australian slang than US. The verb 'to can' (dismiss) is used in both, but slightly more common in US informal English. 'Tin' is a common British synonym for a food can.
Connotations
Neutral for containers. Informal/slightly techy for headphones. Vulgar/crude when referring to breasts.
Frequency
The container meaning is extremely high-frequency in both regions. The headphone slang is moderate frequency in UK informal contexts, low in US.
Grammar
How to Use “cans” in a Sentence
[Subject] recycled the cans.[Subject] crushed the cans.[Verb] cans of [beverage/food].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cans” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They canned the entire series due to low ratings.
- The factory cans local peaches in the summer.
American English
- He got canned from his job last Friday.
- This company cans over fifty varieties of beans.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial use for 'cans')
American English
- (No standard adverbial use for 'cans')
adjective
British English
- Canned laughter spoiled the show's authenticity.
- We're having canned soup for lunch.
American English
- Canned responses frustrated the customers.
- He brought canned beer to the barbecue.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informal: 'The board canned the proposal.' (rejected). Manufacturing: 'We produce 10,000 cans per hour.'
Academic
Rare, except in specific fields like materials science, packaging studies, or environmental science discussing recycling.
Everyday
Very common: 'Take these empty cans out for recycling.' 'I bought three cans of tuna.'
Technical
In engineering: 'pressure cans'; in audio: informal for 'headphones'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cans”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cans”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cans”
- Using 'cans' as singular (e.g., 'a cans of coke' – incorrect). Confusing 'can' (ability) with 'can' (container). Overusing the slang meaning in formal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'cans' is always plural. The singular is 'a can'.
In UK English, 'tin' is often used interchangeably with 'can' for food containers. In US English, 'can' is almost always used, and 'tin' refers specifically to the metal (tinplate) or very old-fashioned containers.
No, it is informal. In formal contexts, use 'dismiss', 'terminate', or 'let go'.
Yes, informally it can mean headphones (mainly UK/AU) and, in vulgar slang, female breasts. Context is crucial for understanding.
A cylindrical metal container used for storing food, drink, or other substances.
Cans: in British English it is pronounced /kænz/, and in American English it is pronounced /kænz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Kick the can down the road (postpone a decision).”
- “A can of worms (a complex, troublesome situation).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CANS hold things: Crunchy Apples, Nuts, and Soup. Or: CANS on your ears let you hear BANDS.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINERS ARE RECEPTACLES FOR RESOURCES/MEMORIES ('a can of memories'). DISMISSAL IS PRESERVATION GONE WRONG ('to can someone' = to seal their fate/job).
Practice
Quiz
In informal UK English, what can 'cans' refer to?