noun
Common
contents
KON-tehnts
Contents (noun) means the things held or contained within something. Example: “The contents of the parcel were damaged when it fell off the van.”
noun
1
The things held or contained within something.
"The contents of the cup had a familiar aroma."
"It is not covered in your homeowner's policy. You need contents insurance."
"The contents of the parcel were damaged when it fell off the van."
"Please check the contents of the fridge before you go shopping."
"She emptied the contents of her bag onto the table."
2
A list at the front of a book showing its chapters and page numbers.
"I always start a book by reading the dustjacket and the contents before I really dig in to the content itself."
"The contents page at the front lists every story in the collection."
"I flicked to the contents to see which page the poems began on."
"Check the table of contents to find the chapter on verbs."
How to use contents
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhat is inside something, or a book's chapter list.
Common pairings
table of contents
contents of the box
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Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “contents” mean?
The word “contents” means the things held or contained within something. In plain terms, what is inside something, or a book's chapter list.
How do you pronounce “contents”?
“Contents” is pronounced KON-tehnts (/ˈkɑn.tɛnts/ in IPA).
How do you use “contents” in a sentence?
Here is “contents” used in a sentence: “She emptied the contents of her bag onto the table.”
What part of speech is “contents”?
“Contents” is a noun.
Is “contents” a common word?
“Contents” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “contents” have?
“Contents” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the things held or contained within something.
What is the difference between contents and content?
Contents (plural) usually refers to the specific things held inside something, such as the contents of a box, or to the chapter list at the front of a book. Content (uncountable) refers to the general substance or material of something, including articles, video, or writing online.
Is contents singular or plural?
In the sense of the things held inside something, contents is plural and takes a plural verb, as in "the contents are fragile." A book's table of contents is also normally referred to in the plural.
What is the difference between contents and table of contents?
Contents can mean the physical things contained within something, such as the contents of a drawer. A table of contents is specifically the list at the front of a book showing its chapters and their page numbers, and it is often shortened simply to "contents."
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