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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gill’s truckers, who haul goods from the Port of Oakland, typically move 50 containers a week. Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2025 Store individual portions in freezer-safe containers with little headroom (to prevent freezer burn). Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 2 May 2025 The expansion will quadruple its footprint from 1,112 acres (450 hectares) to 4,645 acres (1,880 hectares), adding four specialized terminals for containers, hydrocarbons, general cargo, and storage. Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025 According to a recent assessment by experts at the Museum of Eastern Bohemia, the worth of the jewelry, artifacts, and nearly 600 gold coins inside the containers is estimated to be over $340,000. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for container

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Container.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/container. Accessed 17 May. 2025.

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
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