canister

noun

can·​is·​ter ˈka-nə-stər How to pronounce canister (audio)
variants or less commonly cannister
1
: an often cylindrical container for holding a usually specified object or substance
a film canister
2
: encased shot for close-range artillery fire
3
: a perforated metal box for gas masks with material to adsorb, filter, or detoxify airborne poisons and irritants

Examples of canister in a Sentence

she put the store-bought cookies in a fancy canister to make them look homemade
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.
The components—pint, canister, lids—are all dishwasher safe, which is a big plus for any kitchen appliance with multiple parts. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2025 This stainless steel coffee canister has a tight metal seal that’ll keep your beans fresh. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Oct. 2025 Federal agents responded with chemical crowd control munitions, including tear gas canisters and less-lethal guns that sprayed pepper balls. Jason Ma, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2025 Alejandra's arms are full of fuel canisters. Teri Schultz, NPR, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for canister

Word History

Etymology

Latin canistrum basket, from Greek kanastron wicker basket, from kanna reed — more at cane

First Known Use

1692, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of canister was in 1692

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Canister.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canister. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

canister

noun
can·​is·​ter
variants also cannister
: a small box or can for holding a dry product (as coffee, flour, or sugar)

More from Merriam-Webster on canister

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