Meaning & Definition of word "Container"

Container

/kənˈteɪnər/

noun:

  • 1. A receptacle for holding something.
    • Example: She placed the cookies in a decorative container.
  • 2. A unit used for transporting goods, often in shipping.
    • Example: The shipping company uses large metal containers to transport freight across the ocean.
  • 3. An object that can hold or enclose something.
    • Example: The toolbox is a convenient container for all my tools.
  • 4. In computing, a lightweight and portable unit that includes an application and all its dependencies.
    • Example: The developers use Docker to create containers for their applications.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'con-,' meaning 'together' and 'tenere,' meaning 'to hold.'

Common Phrases and Expressions

Container ship:

A cargo ship designed to carry containerized cargo.

Shipping container:

A standardized container used for transporting goods in bulk.

Waste container:

A receptacle for waste materials.

Related Words

receptacle:

A container used to hold a substance or object.

vessel:

A type of container, often used for liquids.

box:

A container with flat sides and a lid, used for storage.

bin:

A container for storing items, often used for waste.

Slang Meanings of container

Meaning: In tech, a container refers to a virtualized environment where an application runs.

Example Sentence: We're deploying the app in a container for easier management.