canister

noun

can·​is·​ter ˈka-nə-stər How to pronounce canister (audio)
variants or less commonly cannister
Synonyms of canisternext
1
: an often cylindrical container for holding a usually specified object or substance
a film canister
2
: encased shot for close-range artillery fire
3
: a perforated metal box for gas masks with material to adsorb, filter, or detoxify airborne poisons and irritants

Synonyms of canister

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Examples of canister in a Sentence

she put the store-bought cookies in a fancy canister to make them look homemade
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Lug a bulky, awkward, bear-proof canister to store your food so you don’t get mauled. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Garnett went to a Sunoco gas station and purchased a canister of gasoline before returning to the garage, prosecutors said. — Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026 The chassis swells slightly to accommodate its nine-function toolset but still measures in with a length and width TJB compares to a pack of gum – and not one of those big desktop canisters, either. — New Atlas, 1 Sep. 2026 In June, Coors Light debuted its limited edition Tallerboy canister, designed to hold and chill three full Coors Light cans at once. — Mike Snider, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for canister

Word History

Etymology

Latin canistrum basket, from Greek kanastron wicker basket, from kanna reed — more at cane

First Known Use

1711, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of canister was in 1711

Rhymes for canister

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Browse Nearby Words

canistel
canister
can it
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Cite this Entry

“Canister.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canister. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

canister

noun
can·​is·​ter
variants also cannister
ˈkan-ə-stər How to pronounce canister (audio)
: a small box or can for holding a dry product (as coffee, flour, or sugar)

More from Merriam-Webster on canister

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about canister

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