self-contained
Americanadjective
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containing in oneself or itself all that is necessary; independent.
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reserved or uncommunicative.
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self-controlled or self-possessed.
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(of a machine or mechanism) complete in itself.
adjective
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containing within itself all parts necessary for completeness
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(of a flat) having its own kitchen, bathroom, and lavatory not shared by others and usually having its own entrance
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able or tending to keep one's feelings, thoughts, etc, to oneself; reserved
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able to control one's feelings or emotions in the presence of others
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of self-contained
First recorded in 1585–95
Vocabulary lists containing self-contained
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.
But there’s also a nostalgia for catalogs as self-contained and curated; a static set of choices rather than pages and pages of search results.
From Salon ● Jul. 18, 2026
And considering that in “Bottoms” or “Bodies Bodies Bodies” you often were the outrageous character, what has it been like for you to play this character that’s a little more self-contained?
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 18, 2026
"The self-contained community survived for several thousand years, but with some kind of peaceful situation -- unlike the present day's disturbing situation, where everyone is keen to 'glorify' themselves by seeing the Sentinelese."
From Barron's ● May 18, 2026
“Above the garage, a charming self-contained guest apartment completes this very special estate,” adds the listing.
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 17, 2026
To emphasise the intended awe and majesty of the occasion, Louis XIV’s long, mythological ballets would begin with a self-contained instrumental introduction, or opening.
From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
