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

Some varieties, like ‘Tumbling Tom’ have a cascading habit while others, including ‘Tiny Tim’ have been bred specifically for growing in containers. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026

Transfer to an airtight container and chill; grate straight from the fridge. —Christopher Kostow, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Apr. 2026

For example, the system cannot currently distinguish between moving a full container, which requires slow, careful handling, and an empty one, which can be moved quickly. —Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 26 Apr. 2026

Soak cotton balls in essential oils and place them in containers throughout your yard, or use them as a spray and apply them to the foliage. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 26 Apr. 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)