canister

noun

can·​is·​ter ˈka-nə-stər How to pronounce canister (audio)
variants or less commonly cannister
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

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.
Once most of the U.N. Building has evacuated, Peter and Catherine team up with the NYPD and U.N. security to deal with the 13 canisters of K.X. loaded into the rooftop HVAC. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 27 Jan. 2025 What’s the difference between canister and compressor ice cream makers? Alaina Chou, Bon Appétit, 10 Jan. 2025 Gasoline and camp fuel canisters and large firework mortars were found in the back of the vehicle after the explosion, which occurred about 15 seconds after the vehicle pulled in front of the building. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2025 Aerial shells, firework mortars, camp fuel canisters and fuel enhancers were also found. Ty Roush, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 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

1692, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of canister was in 1692

Dictionary Entries Near canister

Cite this Entry

“Canister.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canister. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

canister

noun
can·​is·​ter
variants also cannister
: a small box or can for holding a dry product (as coffee, flour, or sugar)

More from Merriam-Webster on canister

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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