container

noun

con·​tain·​er kən-ˈtā-nər 

: one that contains: such as

a

: a receptacle (such as a box or jar) for holding goods

b

: a portable compartment in which freight is placed (as on a train or ship) for convenience of movement

containerless

kən-ˈtā-nər-ləs 

adjective

Synonyms

• bin
• holder
• bag
• receptacle
• vessel
• box
• bottle

Examples of container in a Sentence

The tea leaves come in a small metal container.

bowls, boxes, jars, and other containers

The shipment of tools arrived at the dock in cargo containers yesterday.

Recent Examples on the Web

However, the rapper's gift comes as a shock when a beating heart is found in the bag, wrapper, container, etc., and presented to his love interest. —Marina Watts, People.com, 20 Aug. 2025

The containers were used by an Indonesian company, BMS Foods. —Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 19 Aug. 2025

Handwashing select items is also an easy solution: Bring laundry detergent in a travel-size container and wash any necessary items by hand in a sink or bathtub. —Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Aug. 2025

Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to four days in the refrigerator. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English conteyner, from conteynen "to contain" + -er -er entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing container

• container port
• container ship

Rhymes for container

• abstainer
• campaigner
• complainer
• coplanar
• detainer
• maintainer
• nonplanar
• retainer
• sustainer
• entertainer
• gainer
• plainer

Kids Definition

container

noun

con·​tain·​er kən-ˈtā-nər 

: one that contains

especially : something into which other things can be put (as for storage)