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 of container

• bin
• holder
• bag
• receptacle
• vessel
• box
• bottle

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

The amenities in the room are unmarked, in beautiful refillable containers, and have a natural, earthy scent that blends nicely with the environment. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

Around 12% of the world’s trade, including a fourth of global container traffic, passes through the narrows, moving between Europe and Asia via Egypt’s Suez Canal. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026

For products other than plastic food containers, companies would have had to provide records to the attorney general upon request if a violation was suspected. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026

Most government seizures are made through mail and express-courier services, rather than through shipping containers, and many of the shipments originate in China and Hong Kong. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Oct. 2026

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)