container

noun

con·​tain·​er kən-ˈtā-nər How to pronounce container (audio)
Synonyms of containernext
: 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 adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Residents and visitors are urged to properly dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and any other flammable items in appropriate containers. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 Mar. 2026 Workers described living in overcrowded containers infested with cockroaches and bedbugs, with access to only one or two showers per year and in some cases just a single day off annually. Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2026 The port of Jeddah is also handling far greater volumes of container traffic. Tim Lister, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026 Now, shipping costs to the region have tripled to $7,500 per container, and Hundal is uncertain when the Tulare County company will get its money. Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for container

Word History

Etymology

Middle English conteyner, from conteynen "to contain" + -er -er entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of container was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Container.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/container. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

container

noun
con·​tain·​er kən-ˈtā-nər How to pronounce container (audio)
: one that contains
especially : something into which other things can be put (as for storage)

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