canned

1 of 2

adjective

ˈkand How to pronounce canned (audio)
Synonyms of cannednext
1
: preserved in a sealed can or jar
canned peaches
canned pumpkin
2
a
: prepared or recorded in advance
especially : prepared in standardized form for nonspecific use or wide distribution
canned laughter
canned music
b
: lacking originality or individuality as if mass-produced
a canned speech
3
slang : drunk sense 1a

canned

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of can entry 3

Synonyms of canned

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Adjective

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Examples of canned in a Sentence

Adjective The salesperson kept using the same canned phrases. there's a canned quality to the screenplay that reminds you of countless other action movies
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Czerwony notes that canned pumpkin contains less water than fresh, which can make some nutrients, including fiber and beta-carotene, more concentrated by weight. — Jo Ann Liguori, Flow Space, 12 Oct. 2026 Save as a collection on MyRecipes We’re all trying to make our grocery budgets stretch a little further these days, and a great way to do that is to stock up on canned and frozen foods that have a long shelf life. — Patricia S York, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2026 The 51-year-old Grapevine resident shopped with his wife, Janice, 50, for canned goods, rice and flour. — Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Sep. 2026 Instead, look for canned options in water or olive oil with no or low sodium. — Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for canned

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of canned was in 1856

Rhymes for canned

See All Rhymes for canned

Browse Nearby Words

Cannanore
canned
canned heat
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Canned.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canned. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

canned

adjective
ˈkand How to pronounce canned (audio)
1
: preserved in a sealed can or jar
canned peaches
2
a
: prepared or recorded in advance
especially : prepared in one form for ordinary use or wide distribution
canned laughter
b
: lacking originality as if mass-produced
a canned speech
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