contain

verb

con·​tain kən-ˈtān How to pronounce contain (audio)
contained; containing; contains

transitive verb

1
: to keep within limits: such as
a
: restrain, control
could hardly contain her enthusiasm
b
: check, halt
contain the spread of a deadly disease
Firefighters contained the wildfire.
c
: to follow successfully a policy of containment toward
efforts to contain Communism
d
: to prevent (an enemy or opponent) from advancing or from making a successful attack
2
a
: to have within : hold
The box contains old letters.
b
: comprise, include
The bill contains several new clauses.
3
a
: to be divisible by usually without a remainder
b

intransitive verb

: to restrain oneself
containable adjective
Choose the Right Synonym for contain

contain, hold, accommodate mean to have or be capable of having within.

contain implies the actual presence of a specified substance or quantity within something.

the can contains a quart of oil

hold implies the capacity of containing or the usual or permanent function of containing or keeping.

the bookcase will hold all my textbooks

accommodate stresses holding without crowding or inconvenience.

the hall can accommodate 500 people

Examples of contain in a Sentence

The room was barely big enough to contain everyone who came to the meeting. The book contains over 200 recipes. The article contains information on how to plan your retirement. foods that contain a high level of fat The movie contains something for both children and adults. State health officials have succeeded in containing the virus.
Recent Examples on the Web Each notebook is, in essence, a folder that can contain up to 50 content items. Roger Dooley, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024 The formulation also contains the patented Cell-ox Shield Technology, which combines sun protection with antioxidants for deeper skin protection. Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 4 Oct. 2024 As its name suggests, the deodorant also contains exfoliating AHAs mandelic and lactic acids to minimize ingrown hairs and niacinamide for addressing skin discoloration. Sarah Madaus, Allure, 4 Oct. 2024 But instead of playing a party game involving faux murder or demonic possession, a suitcase is introduced that contains a body-swapping machine. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contain 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'contain.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English conteynen, borrowed from Anglo-French cunteign-, cunteyn-, present tense stem of contenir, cuntenir, going back (with conjugation change) to Latin continēre "to hold together, restrain, have as contents," from con- con- + tenēre "to hold, occupy, possess" — more at tenant entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of contain was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near contain

Cite this Entry

“Contain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contain. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

contain

verb
con·​tain kən-ˈtān How to pronounce contain (audio)
1
: to keep within limits : restrain, check
tried to contain my laughter
the forest fire was finally contained
2
: to have within
3
: to consist of : include
4
: to be divisible by especially without a remainder
20 contains 5
containment
-ˈtān-mənt
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on contain

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