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

• 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

Those of us who spent a lot of time at our grandma’s house can spot Tupperware containers in two seconds flat. —Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025

Han recommends wrapping cut onions tightly in plastic wrap or transferring them to an airtight container to store in the fridge. —Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025

And, of course, there’s also the concern that microplastics and toxic chemicals can leach into the contents of the containers when they’re exposed to heat. —Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025

Packaged inside a 20-foot ISO container, the system is designed for mobility and rapid relocation. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025

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)