canister

noun

can·​is·​ter ˈka-nə-stər 

variants or less commonly cannister

1

: an often cylindrical container for holding a usually specified object or substance

a film canister

2

: encased shot for close-range artillery fire

3

: a perforated metal box for gas masks with material to adsorb, filter, or detoxify airborne poisons and irritants

Synonyms

• barrel
• can
• drum
• tin

Examples of canister in a Sentence

she put the store-bought cookies in a fancy canister to make them look homemade

Recent Examples on the Web

Imagine a film archivist scouring an underground vault in Burbank or a cave in Butte, Montana, and discovering a few dozen dusty film canisters tucked away in a corner. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 20 Dec. 2024

For a more colorful look, wrap the canisters with a wide ribbon and finish it with a bow in front. —Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2024

The latter can be hung on the back or side of the box to create a basin for use with the water canister spout. —New Atlas, 17 Dec. 2024

Advertisement Some TikTok influencers have been seen promoting businesses in L.A. selling nitrous oxide canisters. —Jasmine Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin canistrum basket, from Greek kanastron wicker basket, from kanna reed — more at cane

First Known Use

1692, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

canister

noun

can·​is·​ter

variants also cannister

ˈkan-ə-stər 

: a small box or can for holding a dry product (as coffee, flour, or sugar)