1. a round or cylindrical container, typically made of metal, used for storing dry goods
2. a cylindrical projectile filled with shot or tear gas
Usage: military; law enforcement

Examples

• She stored coffee beans in a metal canister on the kitchen counter.
• The tea canister kept the leaves fresh for months.
• He opened the canister of cookies and offered them to his guests.
• The spice rack held several small canisters filled with herbs.
• Police fired tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd.
• The old film canister contained family photos from the 1960s.