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 of canister

• barrel
• tin
• drum
• 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

Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up earwigs, then discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister in soapy water. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026

The canister treats the water as low contamination risk and proceeds to microbial disinfection. — Simon Heptinstall, New Atlas, 9 July 2026

Testing before fuel Following delivery, the prototype canister will undergo additional testing while the company advances permitting for its non-nuclear borehole with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 July 2026

Prosecutors say Diaz was seen leaving and returning to the warehouse with two gas canisters. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1711, 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)