container

noun

con·​tain·​er kən-ˈtā-nər 

: one that contains: such as

a

: a receptacle (such as a box or jar) for holding goods

b

: a portable compartment in which freight is placed (as on a train or ship) for convenience of movement

containerless

kən-ˈtā-nər-ləs 

adjective

Synonyms of container

• bin
• holder
• bag
• receptacle
• vessel
• box
• bottle

Examples of container in a Sentence

The tea leaves come in a small metal container.

bowls, boxes, jars, and other containers

The shipment of tools arrived at the dock in cargo containers yesterday.

Recent Examples on the Web

WineSafe and snack containers are also available. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026

Fewer trucks, lower costs The facility's massive cranes can move up to 200,000 containers annually. —Brian Unger, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026

Let cooking oils and fats cool, then pour them into a sealable container and discard. —Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 12 Apr. 2026

Once the plant is out of its old container, use your fingers to gently pull apart encircling roots and remove as much of the old potting mix as possible. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English conteyner, from conteynen "to contain" + -er -er entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing container

• container port
• container ship

Rhymes for container

• abstainer
• campaigner
• complainer
• coplanar
• detainer
• maintainer
• nonplanar
• retainer
• sustainer
• entertainer
• gainer
• plainer

Kids Definition

container

noun

con·​tain·​er kən-ˈtā-nər 

: one that contains

especially : something into which other things can be put (as for storage)