Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

self-contained

adjective self-con·tained \ ˌself-kən-ˈtānd \

Definition of self-contained

1 a : complete in itself : independent
  • a self-contained machine
  • a self-contained program of study
b : built-in
  • a lectern with a self-contained light fixture
2 a : showing self-control
b : formal and reserved in manner
—

self-containedly

play \ˌself-kən-ˈtā-nəd-lē, -ˈtānd-lē\ adverb
—

self-containedness

play \ˌself-kən-ˈtā-nəd-nəs, -ˈtān(d)-nəs\ noun
—

self-containment

play \ˌself-kən-ˈtān-mənt\ noun

See self-contained defined for English-language learners

See self-contained defined for kids

First Known Use of self-contained

1605

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

SELF-CONTAINED Defined for English Language Learners

self-contained

adjective

Definition of self-contained for English Language Learners

  • : not requiring help or support from anyone or anything else : complete by itself

  • : tending to keep thoughts and feelings private and to deal with things without help from other people

  • : having a kitchen and bathroom

Learn More about self-contained

  1. See words that rhyme with self-contained Spanish Central: Translation of self-contained Nglish: Translation of self-contained for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up self-contained? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

adulation

play

excessive admiration or flattery

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. hogwash 'nonsense, balderdash'

  2. probity 'adherence to the highest principles and ideals'

  3. sequacious 'intellectually servile'

  4. inadmissible 'not capable of being allowed'

  5. oligarch, pejorative 'a member a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

self-contained

Test Your Vocabulary

Difficult Spelling Words Quiz

  • alphabet-pasta-spelling-help
  • Which is the correct spelling?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Dictionary Devil

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games