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

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
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.
Reader Vicki Casey from Huntersville, North Carolina, shared this lovely recipe created by her thrifty mother-in-law that uses the juice leftover from canned pineapple to make a beautiful pie. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2025 Sabrina Burke, a real estate agent-turned-TV personality and content creator, is going viral for her unusual addition to spaghetti and meat sauce — canned cranberry sauce. Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2025 Local shelters might also accept donations of fresh and canned foods, particularly during the holiday season. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Sep. 2025 This homey dish takes comforting canned tuna to richer, silkier heights. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for canned

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of canned was in 1856

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Canned.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canned. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

canned

adjective
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

More from Merriam-Webster on canned

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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