1
: preserved in a sealed can or jar
canned peaches
canned pumpkin
2
a
: prepared or recorded in advance
especially : prepared in standardized form for nonspecific use or wide distribution
canned laughter
canned music
b
: lacking originality or individuality as if mass-produced
a canned speech
3
slang : drunk sense 1a

Examples of canned in a Sentence

The salesperson kept using the same canned phrases. there's a canned quality to the screenplay that reminds you of countless other action movies
Recent Examples on the Web Right now, the drink menu includes a variety of spirits, wines, and beers, as well as canned cocktails like the On the Rocks Hornitos Margarita. Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 29 Feb. 2024 In China, Zong was known as a legendary businessman who grew his soft drinks empire from a tricycle cart hawking ice pops to school kids into a conglomerate selling everything from milk drinks to bottled water and canned porridge. Nectar Gan, CNN, 26 Feb. 2024 Pot Soup This classic vegetarian soup is made with callaloo, a spinach-like green that can be found canned or fresh in Caribbean groceries. Saveur Editors, Saveur, 14 Feb. 2024 Staff members are natural and personable, with no canned delivery. Laura Ness, The Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2024 There is also food available, including potatoes, oranges, celery, onions, cabbage, mini-watermelons, cheese and canned pears. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Jan. 2024 As the trickle of aid has increased, more food products, such as canned meat, tuna and cheese, have become available. Loay Ayyoub, Washington Post, 25 Jan. 2024 This comforting, classic casserole is made with fresh ingredients rather than frozen broccoli or canned soup. Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 2 Feb. 2024 Utilize a rotisserie chicken, frozen veggies, and canned soup to make easy prep work of your comforting dinner. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'canned.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of canned was in 1856

Dictionary Entries Near canned

Cite this Entry

“Canned.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canned. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

canned

adjective
1
: preserved in a sealed can or jar
canned peaches
2
a
: prepared or recorded in advance
especially : prepared in one form for ordinary use or wide distribution
canned laughter
b
: lacking originality as if mass-produced
a canned speech

More from Merriam-Webster on canned

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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