contain

verb con·tain \ kən-ˈtān \

|Updated on: 15 Aug 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: contain in a Sentence

Definition of contain

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 : enclose, bound

intransitive verb

: to restrain oneself

—

containable

play \kən-ˈtā-nə-bəl\ adjective

See contain defined for English-language learners

See contain defined for kids

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 of contain from the Web

Its projects contain hospitals, office buildings, hotels and light industrial buildings.

— katherine feser, Houston Chronicle, "Wolff Cos. bets on the U.S. 290 for its next development," 13 July 2018
The nearly 300 opinions Mr Kavanaugh wrote as an appellate judge contain few surprises.

— The Economist, "Brett Kavanaugh could shape the law for the next 40 years," 12 July 2018
The computers also contain Apple designed T2 chips that had been introduced on the iMac Pro desktop.

— edward c. baig, USA TODAY, "Apple boosts oomph in priciest MacBook Pros," 12 July 2018
In addition to a pool and spa, the grounds contain a fountain, a covered patio and a deck that draws mountain views.

— jack flemming, latimes.com, "Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean eyes a home sale in Westlake Village," 11 July 2018
The files contain audio recordings in which his workers left little doubt over who was in charge of the killers.

— New York Times, "In Colombian Death Ranch Case, Some Fear Prosecution Will Be Buried," 8 July 2018
The links to the left contain raw data that can be downloaded by news-aggregator software or online news readers such as Google Reader.

— hartford courant, courant.com, "RSS FEEDS," 5 July 2018
Canned salmon and tuna contain healthy omega-3 fats and vitamins as well as minerals like A, D B6 and B12.

— terri milligan, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Keep your cool: No-heat cooking keeps you comfortable and the food fresh," 5 July 2018
Elsewhere, the clothes contain an ideal mash-up of subtle cultural cues.

— monica kim, Vogue, "A New Chinese Expat Label Turns Cross-Cultural Dialogue Into Very Cool Clothes," 4 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'contain.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of contain

Middle English conteinen, from Anglo-French cunteign-, cuntyen-, stem of cuntenir, from Latin continēre to hold together, hold in, contain, from com- + tenēre to hold — more at thin

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

contain Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of 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

CONTAIN Defined for English Language Learners

contain

verb

Definition of contain for English Language Learners

: to have (something) inside
: to have or include (something)
: to keep (something) from spreading : to keep (something) within limits

CONTAIN Defined for Kids

contain

verb con·tain \ kən-ˈtān \

Definition of contain for Students

contained; containing

1 : to have within : hold

The box contained some old books.

2 : to consist of or include

The building contains classrooms.

3 : to keep within limits : restrain, check

The fire was contained.

I tried to contain my anger.

Word Root of contain

The Latin words tenēre, meaning “to hold,” gives us the roots ten and tain. Words from the Latin tenēre have something to do with holding. Something tenacious holds on and is not easily gotten rid of. To contain is to hold things together inside. To obtain is to get hold of. To retain is to continue to hold.