Ashcan

1 of 2

adjective

Ash·​can ˈash-ˌkan 

: of or relating to a group of 20th century American painters who depicted city life realistically

Ashcan school

ash can

2 of 2

noun

1

: a metal receptacle for refuse

2

slang : depth charge

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1939, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1