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container
/kənˈteɪnər/
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
Antonyms
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
suffixEnglish Dictionary