canned

adjective

ˈkand 

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

Synonyms

• apish
• emulative
• epigonic
• epigonous
• formulaic
• imitative
• mimetic
• mimic
• slavish
• unoriginal

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

Ibrahim says the family only had time to grab some clothes and enough canned food to last about a month. —Anas Baba, NPR, 4 June 2024

Its expansive beverage menu features a variety of draft, bottled and canned beers, wine, cocktails and non-alcoholic options like espresso and Moroccan mint tea service. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 31 May 2024

Vasquez cautions that if using canned fruit, be sure to choose pineapple preserved in its juice rather than in a sugar syrup. —Karla Tatiana Vasquez, Saveur, 29 May 2024

Residents interviewed last week reported seeing canned food, vegetables and flour in local markets. —Matthew Mpoke Bigg, New York Times, 24 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

canned

adjective

ˈkand 

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