How to use the modal verb 'can'. Can is one of the most commonly used modal verbs in English. It can be used to express ability or opportunity, to request or offer permission, and to show possibility or impossibility. Define can. can synonyms, can pronunciation, can translation, English dictionary definition of can. to be able to, have the power or skill to: I can take a bus to the airport. She can paint very well. Not to be confused with: may – to have permission to. CAN definition: to be able to; have the ability, power, or skill to. See examples of can used in a sentence. CAN meaning: 1. to be able to do something: 2. to be allowed to do something: 3. used to ask someone to do or…. Learn more. Can you remember your fifth birthday? Animals can experience emotions. Can you hear that? I can feel the baby moving inside me. Canva is a free-to-use online graphic design tool. Use it to create social media posts, presentations, posters, videos, logos and more. The meaning of CAN is be physically or mentally able to. How to use can in a sentence. Can vs. May: Usage Guide CAN definition: 1. to be able to: 2. used to say that you can and will do something: 3. used to say that you…. Learn more. A can is a metal container, usually cylindrical in shape, which has an airtight seal when it's new. All kinds of goods come in cans, from fruit and vegetables to paint and oil. an open can (countable) A can is a metal container, usually for holding food or drink. I drink cola from a can. Spaghetti hoops come in a can.