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adj B1 Intermediate Uncommon

canned

kand

Canned (adj) means Sealed and preserved in a can. Example: “They stocked the pantry with canned beans and soup.”

adj
1
Sealed and preserved in a can.
"They stocked the pantry with canned beans and soup."
2
Prepared in advance and generic, rather than spontaneous or original.
"His speech felt canned, like he'd given the exact same one a dozen times."
3
Informal: fired from a job.
"He got canned after missing another deadline."

How to use canned

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishPreserved in a can, or (informally) pre-made and impersonal, or fired from a job.

When to use it

The "fired" sense is informal.

Common pairings
canned food canned response get canned
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Test yourself on “canned” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

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They stocked the pantry with _____ beans and soup.

Antonyms

Related words

Rhymes for canned

See all rhymes for canned →

Frequently asked questions

What does “canned” mean?

The word “canned” means sealed and preserved in a can. In plain terms, preserved in a can, or (informally) pre-made and impersonal, or fired from a job.

How do you pronounce “canned”?

“Canned” is pronounced kand (/kænd/ in IPA).

How do you use “canned” in a sentence?

Here is “canned” used in a sentence: “They stocked the pantry with canned beans and soup.”

What is the opposite of “canned”?

The opposite of “canned” — its antonyms — is dried.

What part of speech is “canned”?

“Canned” is an adjective.

Is “canned” a common word?

“Canned” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “canned” have?

“Canned” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: sealed and preserved in a can.

What is the difference between canned, fresh, and frozen food?

Canned food has been sealed and preserved inside a can, usually through heat processing, giving it a long shelf life at room temperature. Fresh food is unprocessed and has a short shelf life, while frozen food is preserved by freezing, which generally keeps more of its original texture and flavor than canning.

What does canned mean when describing laughter or a response?

Canned laughter refers to pre-recorded laughter added to a TV show's soundtrack, while a canned response means a prepared, generic answer used repeatedly rather than one crafted specifically for the situation. In both cases, "canned" signals something pre-made and impersonal rather than spontaneous.

What does it mean to say someone got canned?

In informal speech, "got canned" means someone was fired from their job. This slang usage is casual and best suited to informal conversation rather than formal writing.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial