pan

pan · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    To wash gravel in a pan to separate gold.

  2. 2.

    A metal container used for cooking.

  3. 3.

    (film/video) To move a camera horizontally to follow action or show a scene.

  4. 4.

    A natural or artificial depression in the ground.

  5. 5.

    (informal) Harsh criticism.

  6. 6.

    (informal) To criticize severely.

  7. 7.

    To turn out; to result (usually with "out").

Forms

plural: pans

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    pan out — to turn out, especially successfully
  • •
    flash in the pan — something that shows potential but fails to deliver
  • •
    out of the frying pan into the fire — from a bad situation to a worse one

Related words

See also: cooking, pot, skillet
Synonyms: frying pan, pot, skillet

Etymology

From Old English panne, from West Germanic, possibly from Latin patina ("dish").