canister
noun
can·is·ter
ˈka-nə-stər 
variants
or less commonly cannister
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
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
The Army's Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon fired out of a canister on a road-mobile trailer shortly after sunrise on Florida's Space Coast, then headed east over the Atlantic Ocean propelled by a solid-fueled rocket booster.
—
Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 26 Apr. 2025
Some shoppers have been surprised by how long their canisters have lasted.
—Clint Davis, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025
The general findings are that stainless steel canisters could pit or crack when stored near a seashore.
—Gerald Frankel, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
Large spoons, whisks, and spatulas drop into removable canisters.
—Jody Garlock, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for canister
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Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 26 Apr. 2025
Some shoppers have been surprised by how long their canisters have lasted.
—Clint Davis, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025
The general findings are that stainless steel canisters could pit or crack when stored near a seashore.
—Gerald Frankel, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
Large spoons, whisks, and spatulas drop into removable canisters.
—Jody Garlock, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for canister
Cite this Entry
“Canister.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canister. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
canister
noun
can·is·ter
variants
also cannister
: a small box or can for holding a dry product (as coffee, flour, or sugar)
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