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

Goodall and his team had a container at the docks in London ready to ship the ring on a boat, only to be told at the last minute their paperwork would not be accepted by the Egyptian authorities. — Chris McKenna, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Veterinarians assessed the belugas' fitness for travel before they were loaded into specialized cold-water containers and transported by truck and plane, the aquariums said. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 22 July 2026

By 2011, Delicias Import was freighting at least four full containers. — Paula De La Cruz, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Fast-growing, compact varieties are ideal for container planting. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 July 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)