container

American  

[kuhn-tey-ner] / kənˈteɪ nər /

noun

1. anything that contains or can contain something, as a carton, box, crate, or can.

2. a large, vanlike, reuseable box for consolidating smaller crates or cartons into a single shipment, designed for easy and fast loading and unloading of freight.

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container British  

/ kənˈteɪnə /

noun

1. an object used for or capable of holding, esp for transport or storage, such as a carton, box, etc

2. 1. a large cargo-carrying standard-sized container that can be loaded from one mode of transport to another

   2. ( as modifier )

      a container port

      a container ship

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Etymology

Origin of container

1400–50 for an earlier sense; 1495–1505 container for def. 1; late Middle English conteiner; contain, -er ¹

Example Sentences

“The situation today is probably more uncertain than ever, as the geopolitical environment continues to be complex and container shipping remains a highly competitive industry,” the CEO said.

From The Wall Street Journal

The world’s fifth-largest container line by capacity expects a major hit to earnings as disrupted trade flows and costs add to declining freight rates and slowing market growth.

From The Wall Street Journal

Direct exposure is limited, with only 5% of container volumes tied to the Middle East, while diversions from Strait of Hormuz disruptions may benefit throughput, he says.

From The Wall Street Journal

He keeps plastic butter containers stuffed with rings found while he’s out searching for fun.

From The Wall Street Journal

For six weeks, she was shuttled with other women between detention sites, including al-Mina al-Bary, a bus depot near the market where the UN said hundreds were held in about 70 shipping containers.

From Barron's

Related Words

• bag
• bottle
• bowl
• box
• bucket
• can
• canister
• capsule
• carton
• crate
• dish
• jar
• jug
• kettle
• package
• packet
• pail
• pot
• pouch
• sack