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

Built for high-volume printing without the hassle of ink cartridges, the HP LaserJet Pro 30001dw delivers razor-sharp black-and-white documents at up to 35 pages per minute. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026

The pool is also compatible with standard filtration systems, including sand and cartridge filters, so setting it up is simple and doesn’t require specialty parts or professional help. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2026

The most common bear case for West is that pharmaceutical giants are developing oral versions of weight loss and diabetes treatments, which could cannibalize the injectable market and reduce demand for syringes and cartridges. — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026

Xavier’s pistol cast 9-mm cartridge casings into a flower bed and around a trailer parked at the curb as the father tried to evade being shot by his son in midafternoon, in the open in front of four landscapers. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Aug. 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