can't

contraction

ˈkant How to pronounce can't (audio) ˈkänt How to pronounce can't (audio)
 especially Southern  ˈkānt
: can not

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of can't was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near can't

Can

can't

can't begin to tell you

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Cite this Entry

“Can't.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/can%27t. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

can't

ˈkant How to pronounce can't (audio) ˈkȧnt How to pronounce can't (audio)
 especially Southern  ˈkānt
: can not

More from Merriam-Webster on can't

Nglish: Translation of can't for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of can't for Arabic Speakers

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