containment

noun

con·​tain·​ment kən-ˈtān-mənt How to pronounce containment (audio)
Synonyms of containment
1
: the act, process, or means of keeping something within limits
the containment of health costs
2
: the policy, process, or result of preventing the expansion of a hostile power or ideology

Examples of containment in a Sentence

The company's hazardous waste containment plan is being reviewed. The government needs to adopt a containment strategy.
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.
Additional cost containment measures may be implemented as needed. — Briauna Brown, CBS News, 30 June 2026 The Florida Forest Service said on its website Monday that the fire has grown to 180 acres with 0% containment. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026 The Iron Fire was at about 41,467 acres with 38% containment Utah's Juab, Tooele and Utah counties. — Tristan Maglunog, ABC News, 28 June 2026 Apple is reportedly working with Tata to address the problem, opening an investigation, and supporting Tata’s efforts at containment and mitigation. — John Werner, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for containment

Word History

Etymology

contain + -ment

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of containment was in 1655

Rhymes for containment

See All Rhymes for containment

Browse Nearby Words

container ship
containment
contakion
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Containment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/containment. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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