self-contained

adjective

self-con·​tained ˌself-kən-ˈtānd How to pronounce self-contained (audio)
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 adverb
self-containedness noun
self-containment noun

Examples of self-contained in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Applications should be self-contained and sandboxed. Stephanie Domas, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 Fiercely self-contained, Ka sold vinyl and CDs on his website and through select stores across the U.S. and Europe. Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2024 Seasons are also short — just six episodes each — and every season is relatively self-contained. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2024 Sure, there were superhero series featuring icons like Batman and Superman, but those movies tended to be self-contained. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 31 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for self-contained 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-contained.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-contained was in 1605

Dictionary Entries Near self-contained

Cite this Entry

“Self-contained.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-contained. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on self-contained

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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