receiver

noun

re·​ceiv·​er ri-ˈsē-vər How to pronounce receiver (audio)
: one that receives: such as
a
b(1)
: a person appointed to hold in trust and administer property under litigation
(2)
: a person appointed to settle the affairs of a business involving a public interest or to manage a corporation during reorganization
c
: one that receives stolen goods : fence
d
: a device for converting signals (such as electromagnetic waves) into audio or visual form: such as
(1)
: a device in a telephone for converting electric impulses or varying current into sound
(2)
: a radio receiver with a tuner and amplifier on one chassis
e(1)
(2)
: a member of the offensive team in football eligible to catch a forward pass

Examples of receiver in a Sentence

She angrily slammed down the phone's receiver.
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.
After the Broncos’ first game of 2025 — just two months before Bryant wound up taking his job — Sherfield sat at his locker and marveled at the young receiver’s fearlessness through camp. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 26 May 2026 Despite his 6-foot-4, 212-pound frame, the former Stanford receiver didn’t stand out on paper. Mike Kaye may 25, Charlotte Observer, 25 May 2026 But a prosecution digital forensic analyst testified that phone receiver sensor activity showed Kouri was actually holding the phone to her ear during the call. Natalie Morales, CBS News, 24 May 2026 Oh yeah, and there's a hitch receiver for sliding on a bike rack, cargo basket or alternative carrying system meant to hold any overflow. C.c. Weiss may 22, New Atlas, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for receiver

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of receiver was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Receiver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receiver. Accessed 27 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

receiver

noun
re·​ceiv·​er ri-ˈsē-vər How to pronounce receiver (audio)
: one that receives: as
a
: a person appointed to take control of property that is involved in a lawsuit or of a business that is bankrupt or is being reorganized
b
: equipment for receiving radio or television broadcasts
c
: a device for changing electricity or radio waves into light or sound
d
: an offensive football player who may catch a forward pass

Legal Definition

receiver

noun
re·​ceiv·​er ri-ˈsē-vər How to pronounce receiver (audio)
1
: an officer charged with receiving tax payments or returns and other related duties (as the maintenance of tax rolls)
2
: a person appointed by the court to hold in trust and administer property in litigation
especially : one appointed to administer, conserve, rehabilitate, or liquidate the assets of an insolvent corporation for the protection or relief of creditors compare conservator, liquidator

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