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

In addition to a variety of THC products, including about 33 THC cartridges, 150 grams of marijuana, gummies and wax, deputies also found unused empty baggies for packaging and a scale. —Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Nov. 2025

But the 18mm cartridge was capable of penetrating 55 layers of Kevlar at close range, and Harwood stood six feet away without any shield at all. —Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025

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

Its simplicity is on show; Kodak essentially wrapped a 110 film cartridge and tiny plastic camera in cardboard. —PC Magazine, 26 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