ENGLISH
REFERENCE

can

v. · n.
US //ˈkæn// UK //kˈæn// can
  1. 1 ability (v.)
    A1 Beginner

    to be able to do something or know how to do it.

    expresses physical or mental ability or the knowledge required to perform an action.

    Example

    She can speak three languages fluently because she grew up in a bilingual home.

    Example

    While many candidates can perform the basic tasks, we need someone who can manage complex data sets without supervision.

    Usage

    a modal auxiliary verb followed by the bare infinitive without 'to'
    • able to
    • capable of
    Pitfall
    I can to swim very well.
    I can swim very well.

    Do not use 'to' after 'can'. It is followed by the base form of the verb.

  2. 2 permission (v.)
    A1 Beginner

    to have permission to do something.

    used to request or grant permission; often interchangeable with 'may' in informal contexts.

    Example

    Can I open the window? It is getting a bit warm in here.

    Example

    You can leave your luggage at the reception desk if your room is not ready yet.

    Teacher's tip

    In formal writing, 'may' is often preferred for permission, but 'can' is the standard choice in modern spoken English.
Show 5 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 possibility (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    used to say that something is possible.

    expresses theoretical or logical possibility.

    Example

    It can get very cold in the mountains, even during the summer.

    Example

    The local weather can be quite unpredictable, so it is wise to carry an umbrella regardless of the forecast.
  2. 4 metal container (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a metal container for food or drink.

    a cylindrical metal container, typically made of aluminium or tin-plated steel, used for preserving food or holding liquids.

    Example

    He opened a can of soup for lunch because he was in a hurry.

    Example

    The recycling centre accepts aluminium drink cans but requires all glass bottles to be sorted separately.

    Teacher's tip

    In British English, 'tin' is more common for food (a tin of beans), while 'can' is used for drinks (a can of soda).
  3. 5 to preserve food (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Cooking

    to put food into metal or glass containers to keep it fresh for a long time.

    to preserve food by sealing it in airtight cans or jars.

    Example

    Every autumn, they can tomatoes from their garden to use during the winter.

    Example

    The family spent the weekend canning peaches and making jam to stock their pantry for the coming year.

    Usage

    transitive verb
  4. 6 to fire someone (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal American English

    to tell someone they no longer have a job.

    to dismiss an employee from their position, usually due to poor performance or misconduct.

    Example

    He got canned after he was caught sleeping at his desk for the third time.

    Example

    The manager decided to can the entire marketing team after the disastrous launch of the new product line.

    Usage

    transitive verb

    Teacher's tip

    This is a very direct and informal way to describe losing a job; avoid using it in professional HR documents.
  5. 7 prison (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Slang

    a slang word for jail or prison.

    a slang term for a place of confinement or incarceration.

    Example

    He spent two nights in the can before his lawyer got him out.

    Example

    After the robbery went wrong, the getaway driver ended up spending five years in the can.

    Usage

    usually used with 'the'
Word family

© 2026 English Reference