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

From inlets covered in neon-green algae, snow-white egrets took flight over ships stacked with thousands of brightly colored containers—imagine a mash-up of Gauguin and Mondrian. —John Bowe, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2026

Break up any big chunks of sugar and lay the bread slice on top, then seal it in an airtight container for about a day. —Cody Godwin, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026

Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. —C.w. Cameron, AJC.com, 1 Feb. 2026

Pea plants love to climb, which isn’t always easy in a container. —Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 1 Feb. 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)