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

Some people even unroll tin cans into strips to form parts of their walls.

From BBC

He was a mostly self-taught golfer who had fashioned a swing using a branch from a guava tree for a club and a crushed tin can for a ball.

From Los Angeles Times

I cannot find tin cans of it anymore, and my assistants have been emailing the company to bring it back.

From Los Angeles Times

Cynthia fed her family by working on a rubbish dump, collecting tin cans which she sold in return for a pittance.

From BBC

Movies to be watched on planes, making bearable the three or nine hours spent in a tin can, squashed on all sides, munching tiny pretzels and trying not to order yet another gin and tonic.

From New York Times