Container
/kənˈteɪnər/
Definitions
3 meaningsAn object, such as a box or jar, used for holding something.
/kənˈteɪnər/
An object used for holding or transporting something.
The shipping container was loaded with electronics.
💡 Simply: A container is like a box or a jar. You put things *inside* it to keep them safe or to carry them. Imagine a lunchbox; it's a container for your sandwich and snacks!
👶 For kids: A container is like a box or a cup that holds stuff!
More Examples
She packed her lunch in a reusable container.
The archaeologists found ancient pottery containers.
How It's Used
"The cargo was shipped in a large metal container."
"Store leftovers in airtight containers."
A vessel or receptacle for storing or transporting goods, especially a large standardized metal box.
/kənˈteɪnər/
A thing that can hold something.
The goods were transported in intermodal containers.
💡 Simply: A big metal box used for shipping stuff on trains, trucks, and ships. Big companies use them to send everything all over the world. They're super strong!
👶 For kids: A big box for carrying stuff on ships or trains.
More Examples
The software runs in a lightweight container, making deployment easy.
The truck driver stacked the containers carefully.
How It's Used
"Docker uses containers to package software."
"The shipping company uses standard ISO containers."
To place goods in a container for shipment or storage.
/kənˈteɪnər/
To put something in a container.
The workers containerized the goods.
💡 Simply: To pack things inside of a container like a box, to get them ready to move!
👶 For kids: To put things in a container.
More Examples
They will containerize the waste.
How It's Used
"Workers containerized the goods for transport."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
out of the container
A term used in the tech world where a new version of an application that's been built as a container, is now running in the production environment.
"The dev team made several changes to the application, and then deployed out of the container."
From Old French *contenir* (to contain, hold), from Latin *continere* (to hold together, enclose), from *con-* (together) + *tenere* (to hold).
The word 'container' has been used since the 14th century to describe something that holds or contains items.
Memory tip
Think of a box that holds all your toys – it's a container!
Word Origin
"to hold together, enclose"