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

• holder
• receptacle
• vessel

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

Jonathan Roach, a container market analyst at Braemar, said the U.S. isn’t the only market looking to see China’s stronghold on shipping loosen. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 5 Mar. 2025

The planter’s open bottom is designed for easy decorating; simply pop a container of your favorite flowers inside and enjoy a seasonal display. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2025

From coffee makers to mixers to airtight storage containers, the items on this list will make for outstanding additions to your kitchen, all at rock-bottom prices. —Ho Lin, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025

There had been eight metal containers in total, per The Indian Express. —Becca Longmire, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025

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)