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

• 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

Most of these dishes were served in a cute cardboard container made to look like a Cybertruck, and had been made fancier in ways nobody asked for. —Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 22 Sep. 2025

Additionally, Vallo says that the lack of ventilation in plastic containers causes fruits to get moldy and mushy because of the moisture buildup. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2025

The lift test starts when a person hands the robot a plastic storage container filled with houseplants. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2025

The ideal planting type depends on whether the tree is bare-root or container-grown, and other factors. —Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Sep. 2025

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)