tin can

noun

1

: a can made of tinplate

broadly : can sense 1a

2

slang : destroyer sense 2

Examples of tin can in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Repurpose empty containers like candle jars, Mason jars, and tin cans into catchalls, custom candles, or lanterns. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2026

At the 100 Club a couple days later, meanwhile, a mere bolt or tin can thrown through the air would barely have been noticed amid all of the chaos and disorder. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2026

One day, Parton fashioned a makeshift microphone by putting a tobacco stick into the ground and placing a tin can on top, performing a show of her own. — Shima Oliaee, Time, 26 Aug. 2026

Learn more about the yellow tin can that flavors our region’s seafood. — Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tin can

• afghan
• bedpan
• began
• caveman
• chapin
• cyan
• deadpan
• dextran
• divan
• doorman
• fishman
• flagman

Kids Definition

tin can

noun

: a container for food made of metal (as tinplate or aluminum)