canister

noun

can·​is·​ter ˈka-nə-stər How to pronounce canister (audio)
variants or less commonly cannister
Synonyms of canisternext
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 of canister

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At less than $30 apiece, the kit has two smoothing lotion bars and a chic bamboo canister for storage. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 25 July 2026 Bear canisters, resupply strategy and altitude preparation are all part of the planning process for thru-hikers. — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026 In a scene that unfolds in slow motion, a canister of tear gas is tossed into the couple’s home, tearing through their veil of domestic bliss. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 July 2026 Rooms are stocked with Blueair humidifiers, boot dryers, and canisters of oxygen to help with altitude. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for canister

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1711, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of canister was in 1711

Rhymes for canister

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Browse Nearby Words

canistel
canister
can it
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Cite this Entry

“Canister.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canister. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

canister

noun
can·​is·​ter
variants also cannister
ˈkan-ə-stər How to pronounce canister (audio)
: a small box or can for holding a dry product (as coffee, flour, or sugar)

More from Merriam-Webster on canister

Nglish: Translation of canister for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about canister

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