Words / B1

TIN-ohp-uh-n-uh/ˈtɪn ˌəʊpənə/

A tin opener (id: tin-opener) is a tool for opening tins of food (UK; also a can opener). A bottle opener takes caps off; a corkscrew is for wine corks. Food tech: use the tin opener on the bench; a ring-pull key is not a tool for every tin.

Meaning

A tool for opening tins of food (UK; also a can opener).

Examples

• “Use the tin opener on the food-tech bench; a ring-pull key is not a tool for every tin.”
• “A tin opener is counted with the knives; taking one home in a lunchbox is still theft.”

Good to know

a tin opener (UK). Close: a can opener. Contrast: a bottle opener / a corkscrew. Food tech. Countable tools. Mix-up: a tin is the can; the opener is the tool.

Near in meaning

can opener

New