A carton is a box or container made from stiff paper or cardboard, designed to hold and protect things. You probably see cartons every day: milk often comes in tall rectangular cartons with a waxy coating, eggs rest safely in bumpy cartons with little cups for each egg, and orange juice might arrive in a carton with a convenient spout.

Cartons are cleverly designed for what they carry. An egg carton cushions fragile eggs and keeps them from rolling around. A milk carton's shape makes it easy to pour and store in a refrigerator. Moving companies pack belongings in large, sturdy cardboard cartons.

While similar to a box, carton usually suggests something designed for a specific product rather than just any container. You'd say “a carton of ice cream” but “a box of books.” Some cartons, like those for milk or juice, are specially treated so liquids don't leak through the cardboard.