canister

noun

can·​is·​ter ˈka-nə-stər 

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

Synonyms

• tin
• barrel
• bucket

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

Once you’re done cleaning, this nifty vacuum empties debris into its base, and that means no fiddling with a bag or canister after every use. —Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025

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

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

Rhymes for canister

• banister

Kids Definition

canister

noun

can·​is·​ter

variants also cannister

ˈkan-ə-stər 

: a small box or can for holding a dry product (as coffee, flour, or sugar)