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container

/kənˈteɪnər/
noun★Intermediate💡 object that holds things

“Please put the leftovers in an airtight container.”

The example shows using a sealed box to store food.

neutral

An object used to hold, store, or transport items.

The shipping company uses large metal containers for cargo.

A reference to standardized boxes used in logistics.

She packed her lunch in a plastic container.

A small box used for carrying food.

💡

Can refer to physical objects of any size, material, or purpose.

💻Technology
technical

In computing, a lightweight virtualized environment that packages software and its dependencies.

Docker containers allow applications to run consistently across different systems.

A reference to isolated software environments in IT.

💡

Common in software development and cloud computing.

⚙️Engineering
technical

A large metal box used for shipping goods by sea or rail.

The cargo ship carried thousands of containers.

A reference to standardized shipping units.

💡

Standardized sizes (e.g., 20-foot, 40-foot) are used globally.

Collocations

shipping containerlarge box for transporting goodsplastic containersmall box made of plasticairtight containersealed container to keep contents freshstorage containerbox used for storing items long-term

Synonyms

boxbinreceptaclevesselholder

Antonyms

open spaceunrestricted area

💡Pro Tip

Common Mistakes

Avoid using 'container' to describe a room or large space (e.g., 'a container of goods' is correct, but 'a container of people' is not).

⚡Gold Rule

Physical vs. Abstract

Use 'container' for physical objects. For abstract concepts (e.g., ideas), use 'receptacle' or 'vessel' metaphorically.

📖Word Origin

From Latin *containere* (to contain), from *com-* (together) + *tenere* (to hold). First used in English in the 16th century.

📝Usage Notes

The word emphasizes the purpose of holding or enclosing rather than the material or size. In modern contexts, it often implies portability or modularity.

Word Breakdown

contain-
to hold or include
root
+
-er
one that performs an action
suffix
English Dictionary

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Words of the Year

The most notable words that defined each year. Discover the vocabulary that shaped our world.