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

containerless

kən-ˈtā-nər-ləs 

adjective

Synonyms of container

• bin
• holder
• bag
• receptacle
• vessel
• box
• bottle

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

The robots must identify and handle the appropriate parts, position themselves around the containers and racks, and coordinate their movements with the surrounding production environment. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026

Layer the cereal squares in an airtight container between pieces of parchment or wax paper to prevent them from sticking to each other. — ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026

Once produce is washed or cut, refrigerate it in a clean container away from those raw foods. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026

The data storage is then removed from the machine, placed in a container, and brought back to the office. — Christie Zizo, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing container

• container port
• container ship

Rhymes for container

• abstainer
• campaigner
• complainer
• coplanar
• detainer
• maintainer
• nonplanar
• retainer
• sustainer
• entertainer
• gainer
• plainer

Kids Definition

container

noun

con·​tain·​er kən-ˈtā-nər 

: one that contains

especially : something into which other things can be put (as for storage)