English edit

 
Jerrycan for petrol

Etymology edit

From Jerry (a German) +‎ can, from its use by German troops in World War II.[1]

Pronunciation edit

  • IPA(key): /ˈd͡ʒɛɹiˌkæn/, /ˈd͡ʒɛɹɪˌkæn/

Noun edit

jerrycan (plural jerrycans)

  1. A robust fuel container often made from pressed steel.
    • 1987, Michael Swanwick, Vacuum Flowers, New York: Arbor House, →ISBN, page 46:
      The police fell back, swatting and cursing. At the gateway, somebody grabbed a jerrycan of water from Jonamon's hut and flung its contents at the swarm.
    • 2022, Liam McIlvanney, The Heretic, page 259:
      Anyone with half a brain and a jerrycan of fertilizer's got an army.

Alternative forms edit

Descendants edit

Translations edit

References edit

  1. ^ Douglas Harper (2001–2024) “jerry-can”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.

Further reading edit

Dutch edit

Etymology edit

Borrowed from English jerrycan.

Pronunciation edit

  • IPA(key): /ˈʒɛriˌkɛn/
  • (file)
  • Hyphenation: jer‧ry‧can

Noun edit

jerrycan m (plural jerrycans, diminutive jerrycannetje n)

  1. a jerrycan or similar container, used for fuel or other liquids (especially drinking water) and made of plastic or metal

Descendants edit