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
In the 1920s, Dole Pineapple asked American home cooks to submit their best recipe using canned pineapple.
—
Anne Byrn, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026
However, canned tuna is an excellent alternative for those on a tighter budget or seeking a slightly higher protein content.
—Lauren Manaker Ms, Health, 5 Feb. 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
See All Example Sentences for canned
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Anne Byrn, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026
However, canned tuna is an excellent alternative for those on a tighter budget or seeking a slightly higher protein content.
—Lauren Manaker Ms, Health, 5 Feb. 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
See All Example Sentences for canned
Cite this Entry
“Canned.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canned. Accessed 14 Feb. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
