can't

contraction

ˈkant

ˈkänt

especially Southern ˈkānt

: can not

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of can't was in 1597

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Can't.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/can%27t. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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Kids Definition

can't

ˈkant

ˈkȧnt

especially Southern ˈkānt

: can not

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