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
For cans, bottles, and jars, this Otstar tool features a unique six-in-one design that melts away any frustration from stubborn canned and jarred goods.
—
Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2026
Most canned and bottled versions include a bit of sugar, and often incorporate various health-boosting ingredients such as pea protein, mushroom extracts and occasionally adaptogens or mood enhancers such as MCT, which is derived from coconut or palm kernel oil.
—Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2026
Inside, the portable is set up like a mini-grocery store with shelves of canned and dry goods, produce and a refrigerated section of meats and dairy.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 13 Jan. 2026
Fresh, store- or restaurant-bought soups may balance convenience and quality, while canned varieties are the most shelf-stable but typically rely on higher sodium levels, preservatives and usually have less to offer nutritionally.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for canned
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Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2026
Most canned and bottled versions include a bit of sugar, and often incorporate various health-boosting ingredients such as pea protein, mushroom extracts and occasionally adaptogens or mood enhancers such as MCT, which is derived from coconut or palm kernel oil.
—Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2026
Inside, the portable is set up like a mini-grocery store with shelves of canned and dry goods, produce and a refrigerated section of meats and dairy.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 13 Jan. 2026
Fresh, store- or restaurant-bought soups may balance convenience and quality, while canned varieties are the most shelf-stable but typically rely on higher sodium levels, preservatives and usually have less to offer nutritionally.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for canned
Cite this Entry
“Canned.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canned. Accessed 26 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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