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

• holder
• receptacle
• vessel

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

Store raw meat, seafood, and poultry on the bottom shelf in sealed containers. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 16 Jan. 2025

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. —Craig Ruff, Southern Living, 14 Jan. 2025

But the container needs to be emptied daily, which means the farmer needs to hire lots of workers. —Marianne Krasny, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025

These were a popular type of transport container, characterized by having a slim body, narrow base and two handles. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 13 Jan. 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

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)