container

noun

con·​tain·​er kən-ˈtā-nər How to pronounce container (audio)
: 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 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 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 20 Jul. 2025.

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)

More from Merriam-Webster on container

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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