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

Many hotels have abandoned single-use amenities, and the JW Marriott has followed that move by installing refillable shampoo and other containers. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026

Viridi spent six years and $10 million figuring out how to make a fireproof container for batteries. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026

Transfer to an airtight container; cover and refrigerate until well chilled. — Priya Krishna, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Oct. 2026

Because the reactions occur in containers, sensors can measure them. — Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 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)