self-contained

adjective

self-con·​tained ˌself-kən-ˈtānd How to pronounce self-contained (audio)
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 adverb
self-containedness noun
self-containment noun

Examples of self-contained in a Sentence

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.
There's not a ton of homework needed for this – most of the action is self-contained and most of the characters, B- and C-level MCU players, are explained on the fly. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 3 May 2025 Or something that’s extreme, like Law & Order or a sitcom, where every episode is self-contained. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025 That said, future versions may ultimately be fully self-contained. New Atlas, 17 Apr. 2025 The next generation of MCG devices, however, are much smaller and self-contained, able to be installed next to a hospital bed or brought to patients on a cart for point-of-care use. Jack Hidary, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-contained

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-contained was in 1605

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-contained.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-contained. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on self-contained

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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