tin can

noun

1

: a can made of tinplate

broadly : can sense 1a

2

slang : destroyer sense 2

Examples of tin can in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The original Boomslang was packaged in a tin can with foam inside to protect the mouse; nice enough. — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 14 Mar. 2026

But Cordell made by far the worst-sounding Ramones album, with the band pounding away in what sounds like a large tin can. — Al Shipley, SPIN, 4 May 2026

The baking tin can turn a wide variety of foods into charming and practical edible cups. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026

Another method, popular with some modern Indigenous peoples, uses a tin can instead of a clay bowl. — ArsTechnica, 18 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tin can

• afghan
• bedpan
• began
• caveman
• chapin
• cyan
• deadpan
• dextran
• divan
• doorman
• fishman
• flagman

Kids Definition

tin can

noun

: a container for food made of metal (as tinplate or aluminum)