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
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
But as Italian food production was industrialized in the early 20th century, mortadella became mechanized, canned and cheap.
—
Julia Moskin, New York Times, 28 Nov. 2023
Yes, canned or fresh green beans can be substituted for the frozen ones in this recipe.
—Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 20 Nov. 2023
Chicken thighs, jasmine rice, Bigelow decaf green tea, Trader Joe’s raw honey, Jif creamy peanut butter, gluten-free oats, cucumbers, celery, canned tuna, Enjoy Life chocolate chips.
—Bon Appétit Contributor, Bon Appétit, 2 Nov. 2023
Softer and sweeter, canned pineapple works well in this recipe.
—Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2023
The story noted that canned pumpkin is an easy way to add color, texture and nutrition to a pot of chili.
—G. Daniela Galarza, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2023
Their canned cocktails can also be purchased in three delicious flavors – Piña Colada, Strawberry Daiquiri and Lime Mojito.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 20 Sep. 2023
Gentile said fresh or canned pumpkin can be used in pancake batter, hummus, smoothies, or as a partial substitute for mashed potatoes.
—Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 13 Sep. 2023
The final fall ball games for Oregon will be on Oct. 22 when Southern Oregon and Mount Hood visit starting at 11 a.m. for Oregon’s pink game and canned food drive.
—oregonlive, 14 Sep. 2023
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Julia Moskin, New York Times, 28 Nov. 2023
Yes, canned or fresh green beans can be substituted for the frozen ones in this recipe.
—Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 20 Nov. 2023
Chicken thighs, jasmine rice, Bigelow decaf green tea, Trader Joe’s raw honey, Jif creamy peanut butter, gluten-free oats, cucumbers, celery, canned tuna, Enjoy Life chocolate chips.
—Bon Appétit Contributor, Bon Appétit, 2 Nov. 2023
Softer and sweeter, canned pineapple works well in this recipe.
—Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2023
The story noted that canned pumpkin is an easy way to add color, texture and nutrition to a pot of chili.
—G. Daniela Galarza, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2023
Their canned cocktails can also be purchased in three delicious flavors – Piña Colada, Strawberry Daiquiri and Lime Mojito.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 20 Sep. 2023
Gentile said fresh or canned pumpkin can be used in pancake batter, hummus, smoothies, or as a partial substitute for mashed potatoes.
—Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 13 Sep. 2023
The final fall ball games for Oregon will be on Oct. 22 when Southern Oregon and Mount Hood visit starting at 11 a.m. for Oregon’s pink game and canned food drive.
—oregonlive, 14 Sep. 2023
See More
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
Dictionary Entries Near canned
Cite this Entry
“Canned.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canned. Accessed 5 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
canned
adjective1
: 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
Nglish: Translation of canned for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of canned for Arabic Speakers
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