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

• holder
• receptacle
• vessel

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

Line the container with paper towels to absorb any moisture. —Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 21 June 2025

Maintenance: Refresh the water and clean the containers regularly to keep them safe and inviting. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2025

This is most commonly a problem with plants growing in containers where there is little soil reservoir to hold moisture. —Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 June 2025

Phoenix runs its rigs in 20-foot containers instead of warehouses, which Ali said allows for flexibility to switch between crypto mining and AI data center operations based on demand. —Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 20 June 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)