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

To keep it as fresh as possible, transfer chunks, balls, or slices to an airtight container or zip-top bag, squeezing out excess air. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 14 July 2025

Place food items in the refrigerator or sealed containers. Pick up pet food bowls when your pet is not eating. —Kim Luciani, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025

Beverage containers — glass bottles, cans and vacuum bottles. —Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 14 July 2025

On top of that, an ongoing railway worker shortage continues to lengthen dwell times for containers waiting at the port. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 14 July 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)