# canned

/ˈkænd/ (US) · /kˈænd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/canned
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. food in a tin

adjective · CEFR A2

food that is preserved and sold in a metal can.

For teachers: preserved in a sealed metal container for long-term storage.

- We kept some canned soup in the cupboard for emergencies.
- The humanitarian shipment consisted primarily of canned goods and dry grains, ensuring the supplies would remain edible despite the lack of refrigeration.

### 2. not original or fresh

adjective · CEFR B2

something prepared in advance that feels fake or unoriginal.

For teachers: prepared or recorded in advance; lacking originality, spontaneity, or customization.

- The sitcom used canned laughter to make the jokes seem funnier.
- The politician's speech was full of canned phrases that failed to address the specific concerns of the local audience.

### 3. fired from a job

adjective · CEFR C1 · Informal · American English

to be told you no longer have a job.

For teachers: dismissed or terminated from employment.

- He got canned after he was caught sleeping at his desk.
- Following the merger, several senior executives were canned as the new board sought to reduce redundant overhead costs.

### 4. cancelled

adjective · CEFR C1 · Informal

stopped or thrown away, usually a project or a plan.

For teachers: discarded, cancelled, or rejected, particularly in the context of media or business projects.

- The studio canned the movie because it was too expensive to finish.
- The editor canned the investigative piece at the last minute, fearing that the controversial findings would lead to a costly legal battle.

## Examples

- I always keep some canned soup in the kitchen.
- The politician gave a canned response to the reporter's question instead of speaking naturally.
- While the studio audience was genuinely amused, the producers added canned laughter to the broadcast to ensure the jokes landed for viewers at home.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.