Trash Can Definition Trash Can Definition 1

Trash Can (noun) — a special holder used to keep garbage in flats and houses, public places, offices, and so on. They come in various shapes and sizes, colors, and fit different aesthetics. 

The trash can is an essential part of every environment as it allows us to keep it clean and take care of the atmosphere. It is also an item that is hard to find when you need to throw away a bottle or a paper coffee cup.

Part of speech:
Noun (countable)
Phonetic transcription (IPA):
/ˈtræʃ ˌkæn/
CEFR level:
A1
Word frequency:

How to Pronounce “Trash Can”?

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Tips for trash can pronunciation: 

There are two words here. The first one is spelled just like it is written, and the second one is similar to the “can,” which means “to be able to do.”

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Examples: How to Use “Trash Can” in a Sentence?

To make your study effective, it is important to learn about real-world samples and how we use the word “trash can” in different situations. Here are some of them:

I can’t throw this wrap because the trash can is overflowing.

Someone took the trash can from our cafe.

Where is the trash can I got from the local store?

This black trash can doesn’t fit my green aesthetic.

It’s easy to throw the garbage into a trash can right away.

What Are Synonyms for the Word “Trash Can”?

Learning how to spell “trash can” is not limited to the actual word if your goal is to become fluent. Here, you need to know more alternatives to make sentences with, such as:

Related nouns: basket trash bag container

Synonyms (contextual): dustbin waste bin litter bin garbage can

Common collocations: buy a trash can empty a trash can

“Trash Can” Word Formation and Description in Context

For learners who would like to expand their vocabulary with not a single word but the meaning of more formations, here are the examples for more understanding:

With adjectives: commercial trash can industrial trash can metal trash can

With verbs: dispose of a trash can empty a trash can put into a trash can

With nouns (noun + noun): trash can market trash can type

Idioms and Phrases with “Trash Can”

Humor is an essential part of the English language that makes the whole learning process more engaging, especially when it comes to vocabulary. Let’s explore the sayings that reflect on the trash can word in daily life:

  • Put it in the trash can — literally means to get rid of something as it is useless.

      If you feel like it is not going to work, just put it in the trash can and keep going.
  • Trash can mentality — refers to a way of thinking when people believe you can throw away everything with ease.

      My trash-can mentality allows me to move on with my life.
  • In the trash can of history — is used to describe a period or a historical event that was forgotten in the past.

      This teaching method has to be in the trash can of history, not in our classes.

Test Your Knowledge of Trash Can Meaning — Quiz Time!

Would you like to enhance your vocabulary across the word? Here are three enjoyable activities: 

Type 1: True/false statements:
Choose the correct answer:
1
Trash cans can not be used in government organizations.
2
Wood is the only material used to make trash cans.
3
There are separate trash cans for different garbage.
Type 2: Right word order:
Put these phrases in the right order:
1
can
I
trash
got
an
old
2
made
can
He
a
trash
custom
3
recycling
this
Use
for
can
trash
Type 3: Choose the correct option
Select the most profitable variant:
1
He needs to get rid of unnecessary papers. What does he need?
2
“They need an industrial trash can.” What does it mean?
3
She said, “There is a trash can fire!” but there was no trash can. What is she talking about?

Enjoy personalized learning!

“Trash Can” Word in Other Languages

It is time to go further and learn how to say “trash can” in three demanding languages that take place with English as the most popular one:

Language Word for “Trash Can”
Flag Spanish Spanish   Contenedor de basura
Flag French French   Poubelle
Flag German German   Abfalleimer

Did You Know It? Fun Facts About “Trash Can”

If you think that a trash can has nothing to talk about, let us prove it wrong with some fascinating facts because this item can even reach a high speed. Here are more details:

  • Andy Bell rode a trash can at speed 83.6 km per hour.

    This record was set in 2008, in the United States, as it is stated by Guinness World Records. The show “Nitro Circus” on MTV channel demonstrated this episode in 2009.
  • The most expensive trash cans were installed in San Francisco.

    The prototypes of trash bins “Soft Square” with prototypes that cost almost $21,000, but when produced, it cost ~$3,000 for one.
  • A trash can and a trash bin are actually different.

    They are used as synonyms, but have some differences — the first one is typically used outdoors, and the second type is used indoors as they are smaller.

Famous Quotes Featuring “Trash Can”

Collecting new words through phrases from famous people — especially the ones you like — makes your learning process more enjoyable. Here are the ones that we found engaging:

  “Before I forget, here’s your homework. Where do you want me to put it?’ She pointed at the trash can. ‘Right there would be fine.’”

— Becca Fitzpatrick

Explanation: Here, you can see the word in its direct meaning, powered by the irony from one of the characters who says that the homework belongs to the trash bin.

  “Writer’s block — so what? Write something bad. Just throw it in the trash can when you’re done, you’re always improving.”

— N.D. Wilson

Explanation: In this quote, the author talks about the thing as a block for writers when they can not write something nice, and the main advice is to keep going, let yourself do it badly, throw it away, and start over.

  “My trash can got stolen five times. Finally the owner just let me have it.”

Jarod Kintz

Explanation: This fun phrase describes an intricating situation when the character stole a trash can but the owner kept coming to take it back. Well, they actually gave up and just left it like that but the first one thought about himself as an owner from the beginning.