noun

jerrycan

JEH-ree-kan

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Jerrycan (noun) means a sturdy, roughly rectangular container, usually made of pressed steel, for carrying fuel or water. Example: “He strapped a spare jerrycan of petrol to the back of the Land Rover.”

noun

A sturdy, roughly rectangular container, usually made of pressed steel, for carrying fuel or water.

"He strapped a spare jerrycan of petrol to the back of the Land Rover."

"We filled two jerrycans at the standpipe before setting off across the desert."

"The garage keeps a row of jerrycans for customers who run out of diesel."

How to use jerrycan

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA tough, boxy metal container for carrying fuel or water.

When to use it

It is an everyday, practical word with no formal or technical overtone.

Memory tip

It is usually spelled as one word, jerrycan, though jerry can and jerrican also appear.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

fill a jerrycan a jerrycan of petrol strap a jerrycan to the roof rack carry a spare jerrycan

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “jerrycan” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He strapped a spare _____ of petrol to the back of the Land Rover.

Etymology

The word combines Jerry, a slang term for a German, with can. It arose because containers of this kind were associated with German troops during the Second World War.

Origin: English (formed from German-associated slang + English)

Frequently asked questions

What is a jerrycan used for?

It is used to carry and store fuel or water, especially where no fixed tank or pipe is available.

Why is it called a jerrycan?

The name comes from Jerry, wartime slang for a German, because the design became associated with German military use in the Second World War.

What shape is a jerrycan?

It is roughly rectangular and typically made from pressed steel, so it stacks and carries more easily than a round container.

What is the meaning of jerrycan?

"jerrycan" (noun) means a sturdy, roughly rectangular container, usually made of pressed steel, for carrying fuel or water.