can

can · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    Expressing ability or capacity.

  2. 2.

    A cylindrical metal container.

  3. 3.

    Expressing permission.

  4. 4.

    (slang) Toilet.

  5. 5.

    (slang) Prison.

  6. 6.

    Expressing possibility.

  7. 7.

    Expressing a request.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    can do — willing and able to do something
  • •
    in the can — completed and ready
  • •
    can of worms — a complex problematic situation
  • •
    kick the can down the road — postpone dealing with a problem
  • •
    carry the can — take responsibility for a mistake

Related words

Antonyms: cannot, cant
See also: able, cannot, could, may
Synonyms: be able to, could, may

Etymology

From Old English "cunnan" meaning to know or be able, from Proto-Germanic "*kunnaną" meaning to know.