cartridge

noun

car·​tridge ˈkär-trij 

dialectal ˈka-trij

: a case or container that holds a substance, device, or material which is difficult, troublesome, or awkward to handle and that usually can be easily changed: such as

a

: a tube (as of metal) containing a complete charge for a firearm and usually an initiating device (such as a primer)

b

: a case containing an explosive charge for blasting

c

: a container for insertion into a larger mechanism or apparatus

a printer ink cartridge

d

: a case for holding printed circuit chips containing a computer program

a video-game cartridge

e

: cassette sense 2

f

: a small case that contains a phonograph needle and transducer and is attached to a tonearm

g

: a removable case containing a magnetic tape or one or more disks and formerly used as a computer storage medium

Examples of cartridge in a Sentence

The printer needs a new ink cartridge.

Recent Examples on the Web

Officers from the Hartford Police Department responded to the scene and found several cartridge casings on Jefferson Street where the stabbing and shooting occurred, court records show. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026

The hammer caused a firing pin to strike the base of a cartridge, igniting the primer and firing the bullet. —Simon Akam, Vanity Fair, 2 Apr. 2026

ColorBox will be priced at US$179 – but can be preordered now for $149 – and includes a scale plate, cartridge set, bowl, pair of gloves, mixing whisk, brush with comb for applying the dye, and a USB Type-C cable. —Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 31 Mar. 2026

The replaceable cartridge features a strong adhesive backing and is easy to remove and dispose of when full. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier cartage, modification of Middle French cartouche

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cartridge

• cartridge belt

Rhymes for cartridge

• partridge

Kids Definition

cartridge

noun

car·​tridge ˈkär-trij 

: a case or container that holds a substance or device which is difficult, troublesome, or awkward to handle and that can be easily changed: as

a

: a tube containing a complete charge for a firearm

b

: a holder for photographic film

c

: a device on a phonograph that changes vibrations of the needle into electrical signals

d

: a case for holding a magnetic tape or disk

e

: a case for holding integrated circuits containing a computer program

a video-game cartridge