can't

contraction

ˈkant How to pronounce can't (audio) ˈkänt How to pronounce can't (audio)
 especially Southern  ˈkānt
: can not

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of can't was in 1597

Rhymes for can't

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Browse Nearby Words

Can
can't
can't begin to tell you
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Cite this Entry

“Can't.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/can%27t. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

can't

ˈkant How to pronounce can't (audio) ˈkȧnt How to pronounce can't (audio)
 especially Southern  ˈkānt
: can not

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