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

Each of these cartridges achieves its deadly potential in a different way, whether through sheer power, precision design, or intelligent engineering. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025

Most games for newer consoles also have a digital download option, rather than just a physical disk or cartridge. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025

However, a search for cartridge cases on the morning of Smith's death turned up empty, according to the case file. —Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025

Compatible with any Venus cartridge refill, this reusable razor also includes a shower holder to keep it clean and dry between shaves. —Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025

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