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

While Maersk made one voyage through the Arctic Ocean in 2018, the Danish carrier has since ruled out the route as a service, as have other major Western container shipping companies including Hapag Lloyd and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 12 Aug. 2026

Smith, 26, was driving with an open container of alcohol at the time, police say. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 12 Aug. 2026

More than 20 containers with unknown substances inside have been taken to a lab in Chicago for testing and analysis, Evers added. — Laura Fay, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Olathe purchased at least one storage container for every school, with additional cabinets for middle and high schoolers. — Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 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)