container

noun

con·​tain·​er kən-ˈtā-nər How to pronounce container (audio)
Synonyms of containernext
: 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.
Eco effort Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco has EV charging stations, vegan and vegetarian dining options, and utilizes recyclable plastic to-go containers. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 Moreover, the vessel features a highly modular 150-metric-ton payload capacity that can accommodate standard ISO containers for logistics, research, and surveillance missions. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026 The cost to ship a standard 20ft container (TEU) on the Shanghai to Gulf and Red Sea route ballooned from $980 before the outbreak of the war to $4,131 in the week to 15 May, according to shipping data provider Clarksons Research. Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 1 June 2026 Capsule container Almost all Nespresso machines come with storage to hold used capsules, five or six in smaller models and 10 to 12 in larger machines. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 1 June 2026 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 2 Jun. 2026.

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)

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