contain
verb (used with object)
to hold or include within its volume or area.
had contained
-
past perfectof contain.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Wales Office deleted a post on X that had contained the claim.
From BBC ● Aug. 6, 2026
The latest incident near what is usually the world's busiest airport for international travel affected a fuel tank, the Dubai media office said, later adding that authorities had contained the fire and reporting no injuries.
From Barron's ● Mar. 16, 2026
If the early universe had contained perfectly equal amounts of both, everything would have disappeared.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 3, 2026
Rudolph, the Asheville resident, had verified earlier this year that her voter registration application had contained the needed identification information to ensure it could never be contested again.
From Salon ● May 15, 2025
They even knew now what the basket had contained because he did not have that with him now either, though doubtless at the time it merely puzzled them more than ever.
From "Absalom, Absalom!" by William Faulkner
