canister

noun

can·​is·​ter ˈka-nə-stər 

variants or less commonly cannister

1

: an often cylindrical container for holding a usually specified object or substance

a film canister

2

: encased shot for close-range artillery fire

3

: a perforated metal box for gas masks with material to adsorb, filter, or detoxify airborne poisons and irritants

Synonyms

• barrel
• can
• drum
• tin

Examples of canister in a Sentence

she put the store-bought cookies in a fancy canister to make them look homemade

Recent Examples on the Web

Propane from a small canister in another storage compartment hangs on the front of the trailer (above the twin on-board batteries that charge from the vehicle). —New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2024

No party-store helium canister will do for these towering balloons, which often measure several stories high. —Timo Elliott, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024

Emily makes use of vertical storage space by using floating shelves in the kitchen to display glasses and canisters. —Claire Hoppe, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2024

Keep adequate airflow by removing the canister and using soapy water to wash it in a sink. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin canistrum basket, from Greek kanastron wicker basket, from kanna reed — more at cane

First Known Use

1692, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

canister

noun

can·​is·​ter

variants also cannister

ˈkan-ə-stər 

: a small box or can for holding a dry product (as coffee, flour, or sugar)