: 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.
King was supposed to throw the ball on the play, but his receivers were covered, and an opening appeared in the middle of the field. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 7 Aug. 2026 Its 33-foot wireless range ensures uninterrupted control from anywhere in the room, while its plug-and-play USB receiver works instantly with Windows, Android, and ChromeOS. Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026 Their leading receiver out of the backfield was rookie Brashard Smith, who finished with just 172 receiving yards. Sam McDowell 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Aug. 2026 According to Baseball Savant, out of 60 qualified receivers, Garver ranks 49th in Catcher Framing Runs and 52nd in Shadow Strike% this season. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 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 8 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

receiver

noun
: 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
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

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