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
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
Emptied and rinsed aluminum cans, plastic bottles, and cardboard boxes from the week’s meals usually pile up quickly, but what about the pizza box from last night’s dinner or the takeout containers from lunch?
—
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2026
Unlike regular food containers, the ProKeeper creates a tighter seal by pressing up against the guac to keep it green for days (and plenty of tortilla chips) to come.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2026
Glovinsky recommends pruning one to two times a year to keep the canopy at a size that's proportional to the tree's container.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 15 Feb. 2026
Cleaning pros recommend replacing dish towels, sponges and scrubbers, plastic containers, and cutting boards frequently to maintain kitchen hygiene.
—Jane Kim, The Spruce, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for container
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Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2026
Unlike regular food containers, the ProKeeper creates a tighter seal by pressing up against the guac to keep it green for days (and plenty of tortilla chips) to come.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2026
Glovinsky recommends pruning one to two times a year to keep the canopy at a size that's proportional to the tree's container.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 15 Feb. 2026
Cleaning pros recommend replacing dish towels, sponges and scrubbers, plastic containers, and cutting boards frequently to maintain kitchen hygiene.
—Jane Kim, The Spruce, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for container
Cite this Entry
“Container.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/container. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
container
noun
con·tain·er
kən-ˈtā-nər
: one that contains
especially
: something into which other things can be put (as for storage)
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