receiver

noun

re·​ceiv·​er ri-ˈsē-vər How to pronounce receiver (audio)
: one that receives: such as
a
b(1)
: a person appointed to hold in trust and administer property under litigation
(2)
: a person appointed to settle the affairs of a business involving a public interest or to manage a corporation during reorganization
c
: one that receives stolen goods : fence
d
: a device for converting signals (such as electromagnetic waves) into audio or visual form: such as
(1)
: a device in a telephone for converting electric impulses or varying current into sound
(2)
: a radio receiver with a tuner and amplifier on one chassis
e(1)
(2)
: a member of the offensive team in football eligible to catch a forward pass

Examples of receiver in a Sentence

She angrily slammed down the phone's receiver.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The 5-foot-11 1/2, 196-pound, do-it-all receiver with Puerto Rican connections emerged as one of the nation's top playmakers in 2025. ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026 The 6-foot-4, 206-pound receiver has some extreme upside to him — and that was on display during the Senior Bowl. Alex Zietlow april 21, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026 The receivers have different tantalizing skill sets, from Tate’s downfield ability to Tyson’s all-around talent. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026 The receiver is supporting the plan, which calls for The Onion to pay $81,000 a month to cover the rent for the building housing Infowars’ studios, along with utilities and other costs. Dave Collins, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for receiver

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of receiver was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Receiver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receiver. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

receiver

noun
re·​ceiv·​er ri-ˈsē-vər How to pronounce receiver (audio)
: one that receives: as
a
: a person appointed to take control of property that is involved in a lawsuit or of a business that is bankrupt or is being reorganized
b
: equipment for receiving radio or television broadcasts
c
: a device for changing electricity or radio waves into light or sound
d
: an offensive football player who may catch a forward pass

Legal Definition

receiver

noun
re·​ceiv·​er ri-ˈsē-vər How to pronounce receiver (audio)
1
: an officer charged with receiving tax payments or returns and other related duties (as the maintenance of tax rolls)
2
: a person appointed by the court to hold in trust and administer property in litigation
especially : one appointed to administer, conserve, rehabilitate, or liquidate the assets of an insolvent corporation for the protection or relief of creditors compare conservator, liquidator

More from Merriam-Webster on receiver

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster