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

Amabile’s wife, Serena Pitt, can be overheard asking him as another staple is clipped out and placed into a plastic container. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Aug. 2026

Ships will carry dry and refrigerated containers transporting fresh produce, apparel, industrial products and consumer goods. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026

On Saturday, the Chinese container shipping company Sea Legend Line launched its first regular shipping route through the Arctic, traveling a route that’s more than 3,400 miles long along the northern coast of Russia. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026

As the jingle continues, the surrounding people come together, joyfully singing with Kelce while holding containers of urine. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 19 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)