Container: meaning, definitions and examples

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container

[kənˈteɪnər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

storage

A container is a large box or object used for storing things.

Synonyms

bin, box, vessel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
container	General term for any object that holds or stores items. She put the leftover food in a container. The laboratory used different containers for chemical samples.
box	Usually refers to a rectangular or square container with a lid, often for storage or packaging. He received a box of chocolates for his birthday. The toys are kept in a wooden box.
bin	Typically used for larger, often open-topped containers, usually for trash or recycling. Throw the garbage in the trash bin. The recycling bin is full of plastic bottles.
vessel	More commonly used for containers that hold liquids, often with a more formal or scientific connotation. The scientist carefully poured the liquid into a glass vessel. The ship’s captain looked through a vessel containing a rare wine.

Examples of usage

The moving company provided us with cardboard containers for packing our belongings.
She stored her winter clothes in plastic containers in the attic.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

shipping

A container is a standard-sized metal box used for transporting goods by sea, road, or rail.

Synonyms

carton, crate, vessel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
container	Used broadly for any item that holds other items. Suitable for general situations and professional or technical contexts. The shipping container arrived this morning She put the leftovers in a plastic container
crate	Commonly used for storage and transport of goods, especially heavy or bulky items. Often implies something solid, made of wood or plastic. They moved the furniture in large wooden crates The farmer packed the apples into a crate
vessel	Refers to a container that holds liquids, often used in more formal or technical contexts. Can also refer to boats or ships. The laboratory uses glass vessels for experiments The ancient vessel was discovered during the excavation
carton	Specifically refers to a box made from cardboard or paperboard, often used for packaging food or beverages. He bought a carton of milk The eggs are stored in a carton to protect them

Examples of usage

The cargo was loaded onto the ship in containers.
The truck driver transported the goods in containers from the port.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

software

In computing, a container is a lightweight, standalone, executable software package that includes everything needed to run a piece of software.

Synonyms

environment, sandbox, virtualization.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
container	Typically used in computing to describe a standard unit of software that packages up code and all its dependencies so the application runs quickly and reliably from one computing environment to another. Docker containers make it easy to deploy applications across different environments. The application is running in a container to ensure consistency across development and production.
virtualization	Refers to creating a virtual (rather than actual) version of something, such as a server, a storage device, or network resources, typically used to improve resource utilization and increase flexibility in IT services. Server virtualization helps in reducing the physical hardware footprint. By using virtualization, we can run multiple operating systems on a single machine.
sandbox	Used to describe a separate testing environment that isolates untested code changes and experiments from the live production environment. Developers are working on the new feature in a sandbox to avoid affecting the live application. The sandbox environment allows us to test new code safely.
environment	Commonly used in computing to denote the entire setup where software is developed, tested, and run, including hardware, operating systems, applications, and network configurations. The development environment is set up with all necessary libraries and tools. Switching to a new environment caused some compatibility issues.

Examples of usage

Docker is a popular platform for managing containers in the software development process.
The application was deployed in a container to ensure consistency across different environments.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'container' comes from the Latin word 'continere,' meaning 'to hold together.'
It entered the English language in the 14th century, reflecting its use in physical storage.
The suffix '-er' indicates someone or something that performs an action, aligning with the purpose of holding.

Science

Containers play a crucial role in chemistry for safely mixing and storing reactions.
In biology, organisms are often contained within cellular structures, illustrating the concept on a micro-level.
In environmental science, containers are essential for waste management, helping to recycle materials effectively.

Technology

In computing, a container is a lightweight virtual unit used to package software code, libraries, and dependencies together.
Docker, a popular containerization platform, revolutionized how developers deploy applications across various environments.
This digital container technology increases efficiency and scalability in software development.

Culture

Containers in art, like jars and vases, often symbolize abundance and can hold cultural significance across different societies.
In the culinary world, the type of container used can affect how food is perceived, such as presentation in fine dining.
Holiday traditions often involve specific containers, like gift boxes during celebrations, emphasizing joy and sharing.

Literature

In storytelling, containers often symbolize hidden emotions or desires, representing what characters might try to conceal.
Famous novels frequently utilize physical containers, such as treasure chests or letters, which drive the plot forward.
Metaphorically, authors may describe people as containers of knowledge or experiences, influencing their journeys.

Translations

Translations of the word "container" in other languages:

🇵🇹 recipiente

🇮🇳 पात्र

🇩🇪 Behälter

🇮🇩 wadah

🇺🇦 контейнер

🇵🇱 pojemnik

🇯🇵 容器 (ようき)

🇫🇷 récipient

🇪🇸 recipiente

🇹🇷 kap

🇰🇷 용기

🇸🇦 حاوية

🇨🇿 nádoba

🇸🇰 nádoba

🇨🇳 容器 (róngqì)

🇸🇮 posoda

🇮🇸 ílát

🇰🇿 контейнер

🇬🇪 კონტეინერი

🇦🇿 konteyner

🇲🇽 recipiente

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,493, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

...
4490 craft
4491 loving
4492 longitudinal
4493 container
4494 cooking
4495 solved
4496 vested
...