Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

can opener

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.88 in modern English

Syllables: can open-er
IPA

13

Scrabble Score

9

Letters

2

Syllables

7

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A device used to open tin cans, usually by slicing the lid off.

noun

A shoulder hit to the chest, usually accomplished while moving from a crouched to a standing position.

noun

A tool for safecracking.

Slang

noun

A ramming maneuver, that opens up the target ship like a tin can.

Slang

noun

An anti-tank munition or attack vehicle, that opens up armour like a tin can.

Slang

Example Sentences

"Even the work of opening a safe with nitroglycerine or with a can opener places the criminal in a state of nervous tension."
"“I wonder why they didn't use 'soup' (nitroglycerine) snuffing the drum (blowing safe) instead of a 'can-opener,” (3 ft. steel rod, pointed one end to punch starting hole in bottom of safe, other end shaped like a can opener to peal^([sic]) the bottom of safe open.) commented McLaughlin? ^([sic])"

Usage

Slang

Inflected Forms

can openers (plural) can-opener (alternative)

Frequently Paired Words

bottle opener

Synonyms

tin opener

Questions

What does can opener mean?: A device used to open tin cans, usually by slicing the lid off.

How to pronounce can opener

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “can opener”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “can opener”.
Repeat and practice — Say “can opener” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.