self-contained

adjective

self-con·​tained ˌself-kən-ˈtānd 

1

a

: complete in itself : independent

a self-contained machine

a self-contained program of study

b

: built-in

a lectern with a self-contained light fixture

2

a

: showing self-control

b

: formal and reserved in manner

self-containedly

ˌself-kən-ˈtā-nəd-lē 

-ˈtānd-lē

adverb

self-containedness

ˌself-kən-ˈtā-nəd-nəs 

-ˈtān(d)-nəs

noun

self-containment

ˌself-kən-ˈtān-mənt 

noun

Examples of self-contained in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rosenkrantz is played in the two-hander by Rebecca Hall with warmth and humor and a physical ease that makes Linda much more centered and self-contained than Whishaw’s chain-smoking, often fidgeting Peter. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025

He is self-contained, bookish, innocent despite his cynicism — and as such stories often go, disappointment and bitterness probably await. —Zachary Lazar, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025

To make the power bank self-contained, it is supplied with a pair of cables for charging multiple devices. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025

Nearby, the guest house is self-contained with a kitchen and dining area. —Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 2 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

self-contained

adjective

self-con·​tained

ˌself-kən-ˈtānd

1

: enough or complete in itself

2

a

: showing self-control

b

: keeping one's thoughts and feelings to oneself

self-containment

-ˈtān-mənt

noun