garbage can

American  

noun

1. a container, usually of metal or plastic, for the disposal of waste matter, especially kitchen refuse.

---

garbage can British  

noun

1. Also called: ash bin.   ash can.   trash can.   dustbin.  a large, usually cylindrical container for refuse, esp one used by a household

---

Etymology

Origin of garbage can

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10

Example Sentences

A few people were picking through garbage cans, and someone was sleeping on a bench, curled up tight, and there was an enthusiastic game of basketball echoing over from the newly refinished court.

From Literature

I slam it shut, file it in my garbage can.

From Literature

She wedges garbage cans into corners to prevent flipping, and warns her guests not to leave their coats within Stella’s reach.

From The Wall Street Journal

He opened the lid to the metal garbage can.

From Literature

A group of students from Seikei University in Tokyo began walking around Shibuya last year carrying garbage cans on their backs like book bags.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• dustbin
• trash can