self-contained

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

Examples of self-contained in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Back then, comedies and dramas airing on three major networks churned out 20 to 25 episode per season, most of them self-contained with very few plot points that lasted beyond one episode. —Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 30 Oct. 2024

Storytelling may be self-contained within episodes or carry-over between episodes, and generally must be bound by specific, consistent benchmarks or prescribed templates within a standardized pattern of action. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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