container

noun

con·​tain·​er kən-ˈtā-nər How to pronounce container (audio)
: 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 adjective

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 in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week. Gabriela Camara, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2024 How To Store and Reheat Leftover Asparagus Quiche Store leftover slices of quiche well-wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 3 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for container 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'container.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of container was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near container

Cite this Entry

“Container.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/container. Accessed 9 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

container

noun
con·​tain·​er kən-ˈtā-nər How to pronounce container (audio)
: one that contains
especially : something into which other things can be put (as for storage)

More from Merriam-Webster on container

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!