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 cartridge is one serving, roughly equivalent to a double shot of espresso, and stays shelf-stable for up to 12 months. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026

Staples has a comprehensive electronic and appliance recycling program that includes paper shredding, printer cartridges, luggage, SodaStream and CO2 containers, gaming consoles, and more. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2026

The toner used in laser printers tends to be more expensive than ink cartridges. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 28 July 2026

Hagee also said a single THC vape cartridge or a small tin of gummies can often tip the scales into felony territory in Texas, even if the same product was legal where it was purchased. — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 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