WordGarden.iocontainer
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /kəntˈeɪnə/
US
- /kənˈteɪnər/
Meanings
Noun
an object such as a box, jar, or bottle used to hold things
a large standardized box used for shipping freight
an isolated software environment that packages and runs an application
Beyond the definition
A container is anything that holds something else—from a simple jar to a huge shipping container! Think of it as a space or object designed for keeping or carrying items. You might store leftovers in a plastic container, drink water from a reusable one, or see goods shipped across the ocean in containers stacked high on a ship. The context matters: a "container" can be physical like a box, but it can also be used in a more general way—like a website acting as a container for information.
Containers aren't just about holding; they often protect what is inside. A sturdy container keeps your fragile ornaments safe during a move, and a well-designed software container isolates an application from the rest of your system. You might even say someone is a "container" of emotions—meaning they hold them deep inside.
The word "container" refers to anything that encloses or holds something else. It's a surprisingly versatile term, extending far beyond just physical objects. At its most basic, it is the thing you put your lunch in—a Tupperware container, a lunchbox, or even a paper bag. But think bigger: a bottle is a container for liquid, a backpack is a container for books and supplies, and a city park can be viewed as a container for trees, flowers, and people.
Containers are defined by their purpose—to hold, protect, or transport. Shipping containers revolutionized global trade, allowing goods to be easily moved between ships, trains, and trucks. In computer science, "containers" (like Docker) package an application with all its dependencies, making it portable and consistent across different environments.
The idea of containment extends metaphorically, too. We might say someone is a "container" for grief or joy, meaning they are experiencing and holding strong emotions internally. A story can be said to be a "container" for a message or theme. Even the Earth itself can be thought of as a container for life!
So, whether it is a simple jar on your kitchen counter, a complex software system, or even the human heart—if something holds or encloses other things, it is a container in some form.
Examples
- 1
Food storage
Keep the flour in a sealed container so it stays fresh.
- 2
Packed lunch
She packed some pasta in a plastic container for lunch.
- 3
Medicine packaging
The medicine should stay in its original container.
- 4
Recycling
Please put empty bottles in the glass container by the door.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Shipping
The workers loaded the last container onto the ship before sunset.
- 6
Software isolation
The app runs in its own container, so it doesn't affect the rest of the system.
- Domain
in computing, a container is an isolated environment for software
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- containernoun
Forms
- containerspluralnoun