noun
canteen
kan-TEEN/kænˈtiːn/
A portable container for carrying drinking water.
The water canteen has a screw cap and a practical shoulder strap.
Etymology
French cantine supplied both a military-shop meaning and a small-container meaning. The English water container continues the latter, especially the tin carried by soldiers on the march.
In context
He walked back to his horses, ever alert, and grabbed a canteen. He drank more hot water and did it taste good.
More examples
- He takes a sip from his metal canteen.
- The soldiers carry full canteens on their belts.
- An empty canteen hangs from the backpack.
Forms
canteen · canteens
Similar words
- flask
- Often smaller and used for a concentrated drink.
- water bottle
- The broader everyday term for a portable water container.