tin can

noun

1
: a can made of tinplate
broadly : can sense 1a
2

Examples of tin can in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The kit comes with packs of soy wax, gorgeous black candle jars and tin cans, seven fragrance oils, 10 dye blocks, beautiful candle labels, wicks, glue dots, a melting pot, pipettes, a stirring spoon and more. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 21 Mar. 2025 With apologies to the late David Bowie, 286 long days spent sitting in a tin can, far above the world. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025 For his characters, trapped in a flying tin can hurtling through space, life is far from communal — despite the fact that they’re expected to build a new colony together. Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 7 Mar. 2025 For one thing, tin can splash back onto the main mirror of the machine, which would reduce its ability to funnel light to wafers. IEEE Spectrum, 31 July 2013 See All Example Sentences for tin can

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tin can was in 1770

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Cite this Entry

“Tin can.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tin%20can. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

tin can

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

More from Merriam-Webster on tin can

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