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

Open alcohol containers are now banned in Fort Lauderdale's special entertainment districts as the city moves to tighten rules aimed at improving safety. —Abby Dodge, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026

Avoid jumbled messes by opting for divided organizers or smaller containers when trying to corral tiny items. —Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2026

Place cut branches in a container of warm water and recut one inch from the base of the stem. —Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026

Along with cleaning your planters and containers, Carvalho also recommends doing the same service check on your gardening tools. —Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 8 Feb. 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)