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

Note that canned green beans are often high in sodium, which can increase blood pressure. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 31 July 2024

For many sober-curious people, thinking more critically about their drinking means giving non-alcoholic cocktails and canned beverages a chance. —Scottie Andrew, CNN, 27 July 2024

Both canned and dried chickpeas confer the same health benefits. —Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 26 July 2024

In August, the duo collaborated on a promotional bit for the Gossip Girl star’s canned cocktail brand Betty Booze. —Antonia Debianchi, Peoplemag, 17 July 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