What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
canister
Example
She stored the coffee beans in an airtight canister. [canister: noun]
Example
He grabbed a canister of mace from his bag for self-defense. [canister: noun]
container
Example
I packed my clothes in a large container for moving. [container: noun]
Example
She poured the soup into a plastic container for later. [container: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Container is a more commonly used word than canister in everyday language. Container is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while canister is less common and often associated with specific uses or industries.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between canister and container?
While canister is typically associated with a more technical or specialized tone, container is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
