Definition of tin noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

tin

noun

tɪn

tɪn

1 [uncountable] (symb. Sn) a chemical element. Tin is a soft silver-white metal that is often mixed with other metals or used to cover them to prevent them from rustinga tin minea tin box

2 [countable] (also tin can) (both British English) (also can North American English, British English) tin (of something) a metal container in which food and drink is sold; the contents of one of these containersa tin of beansNext, add two tins of tomatoes.

3 [countable] (British English) (also can North American English, British English) tin (of something) a metal container with a lid, in the shape of a cylinder, in which paint, glue, etc. is sold and stored; the contents of one of these containersa tin of varnishThe bedroom needed three tins of paint (= in order to paint it).4 [countable] a metal container with a lid used for keeping food ina biscuit/cake/cookie tin5 [countable] (British English) (North American English pan) a metal container used for cooking food ina cake tin

Idioms

(it) does (exactly) what it says on the tin

(informal, saying) used to say that something is as good or effective as it claims to be, or that it really does what it claims to do. This expression is especially used when you are comparing publicity and advertisements with actual products.I paid £150 for this camera and am more than happy with it. It does exactly what it says on the tin!