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
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
Most takeout containers are safe for short-term food storage, but should not be reheated or washed in the dishwasher.
—
Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 22 Feb. 2026
Disposable containers aren’t allowed on the river, so pack food and drinks in reusable containers.
—Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 22 Feb. 2026
The brainchild of Thomaston’s Jay Fredlund, the playscapes that were no longer viable for area municipalities were carefully disassembled, packed into 40-foot sea containers and shipped to missions in Guatemala where they were reassembled by service teams serving ministries.
—Sarah Kyrcz, Hartford Courant, 22 Feb. 2026
If extreme cold or heavy snow or ice is predicted, cover azaleas, especially those grown in containers, to help prevent damage.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for container
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.
Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 22 Feb. 2026
Disposable containers aren’t allowed on the river, so pack food and drinks in reusable containers.
—Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 22 Feb. 2026
The brainchild of Thomaston’s Jay Fredlund, the playscapes that were no longer viable for area municipalities were carefully disassembled, packed into 40-foot sea containers and shipped to missions in Guatemala where they were reassembled by service teams serving ministries.
—Sarah Kyrcz, Hartford Courant, 22 Feb. 2026
If extreme cold or heavy snow or ice is predicted, cover azaleas, especially those grown in containers, to help prevent damage.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for container
Cite this Entry
“Container.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/container. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
container
noun
con·tain·er
kən-ˈtā-nər
: one that contains
especially
: something into which other things can be put (as for storage)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
