self-contained

1 of 2

adjective

self-con·​tained ˌself-kən-ˈtānd 

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

ˌself-kən-ˈtā-nəd-lē 

-ˈtānd-lē

adverb

self-containedness

ˌself-kən-ˈtā-nəd-nəs 

-ˈtān(d)-nəs

noun

self-containment

ˌself-kən-ˈtān-mənt 

noun

self-containment

2 of 2

noun

: a self-contained condition or state

Examples of self-contained in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Elinor Dashwood is the epitome of Sense—self-contained, controlled, restrained. —Literary Hub, 8 June 2026

Trauma has left him dour and self-contained, as inaccessible to others as his childhood is to him. —Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 1 June 2026

Corsica is more rugged and self-contained—rocky coastline, mountain roads that drop you straight to the water, and beaches that can feel remote even in summer. —Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026

All amenities and experiences here make the hotel feel genuinely self-contained in the best luxury-at-your-fingertips way. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for self-contained

• foreordained
• unascertained
• abstained
• arraigned
• attained
• bloodstained
• campaigned
• complained
• constrained
• contained
• curtained
• detained

Kids Definition

self-contained

adjective

self-con·​tained

ˌself-kən-ˈtānd

1

: enough or complete in itself

2

a

: showing self-control

b

: keeping one's thoughts and feelings to oneself

self-containment

-ˈtān-mənt

noun