can1 2023.01.19 Meaning of can in English Helping verb 1. be able to 2. be likely or possible to It can be very cold in the mountains in winter. 3. be permitted or allowed to can1 2023.01.19 Meaning of can in English Noun 1. a metal container made of steel or aluminum that is used for food, drink, or paint Food in cans is called canned[tinned] food. 2. the amount that a can may hold Verb 1. preserve food in a metal container can fruit