canned

adjective

ˈkand 

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

Synonyms

• apish
• emulative
• epigonic
• epigonous
• formulaic
• imitative
• mimetic
• mimic
• slavish
• unoriginal

Examples of canned in a Sentence

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

The restaurant, for example, serves up traditional American bar eats like burgers, and guests over 21 can imbibe wine, beer, and canned cocktails. —Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 13 Jan. 2025

In an interview with U.K. newspaper The Times published on Monday, Dec. 30, Hollywood, 58 — who starred in a 2023 commercial for Lively's canned cocktail brand Betty Booze — said the pair had remained in touch ever since. —Becca Longmire, People.com, 31 Dec. 2024

The trends to watch in 2025 are two-fold, the survey found: Adapting to younger, health-conscious consumers and a changing marketplace that favors seltzers and canned cocktails. —John Frank, Axios, 2 Jan. 2025

Fresh, frozen, and canned carrots provide valuable nutrients. —Adrienne Dellwo, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

canned

adjective

ˈkand 

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