Canister: meaning, definitions and examples

Used for storing small items, often foodstuffs like coffee, tea, or sugar. Typically has a lid to keep contents fresh.

• She opened the canister to scoop out some coffee
• The tea leaves are kept in a decorative canister on the kitchen shelf

A general term for any object that can hold things inside. Can be used for anything from food storage to shipping goods.

• She put the leftovers in a container and placed it in the fridge
• The container ship was loaded with electronics destined for Europe

Typically a glass or plastic vessel with a wide mouth and a lid. Commonly used for storing food like jams, pickles, or spices.

• He opened a jar of homemade strawberry jam
• The cookies are kept fresh in a jar on the countertop

Commonly used for larger storage, especially for waste or recyclables. Can also be used for storage of bulk items like flour or animal feed.

• The garbage bin is placed on the curb every Monday
• She filled the bin with fresh grains for the chickens

A more formal or technical term, often used in scientific or nautical contexts. Can refer to anything that holds liquids or serves as a container in a specific field.

• The laboratory used a glass vessel for the chemical reaction
• The sailing vessel navigated through the rough waters