tin can

noun

1. can ²( def 1 ).
2. U.S. Navy Slang. a destroyer.

tin can

noun

1. a metal food container, esp when empty

Word History and Origins

Origin of tin can¹

An Americanism dating back to 1760–70

Example Sentences

Most of us must live from the box and the bottle and the tin-can; we are even feeding our cattle from the factory and the bag.

From Project Gutenberg

A hat or tin-can is placed on the ground between a player's feet, whose name is "It."

From Project Gutenberg

Rosie was playing on the floor with Delia and the puppy that she had rescued from the tin-can persecution.

From Project Gutenberg

Lose the house or parade the family skeletons all diked out in pink sashes and tin-can labels.

From Project Gutenberg

His visitors sat up agaze, with "Vienny" sausages poised between tin-can and lip, dripping grease on their khaki-clad knees.

From Project Gutenberg