container

noun

con·​tain·​er kən-ˈtā-nər How to pronounce container (audio)
Synonyms of containernext
: 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 adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To save space, grow several shade-tolerant herbs together in a large container (such as a half whiskey barrel) with some well-draining potting mix. Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 May 2026 Burn infected plant material or dispose of it in a closed container. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 May 2026 Late Saturday, the crews entered the facility to make a visual examination of the cracked container, which officials believed was holding 7,000 liquid gallons of methyl methacrylate, a chemical that is routinely used to make plastic. Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2026 Storing and Reheating These Mushrooms Leftover sautéed mushrooms can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days. Martha Stewart, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for container

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of container was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Container.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/container. Accessed 26 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

container

noun
con·​tain·​er kən-ˈtā-nər How to pronounce container (audio)
: one that contains
especially : something into which other things can be put (as for storage)

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