receiver

noun

re·​ceiv·​er ri-ˈsē-vər 

: one that receives: such as

a

: treasurer

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)

: catcher

(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

Cornerback Alex Austin, a fourth-year veteran signed this offseason, had an impressive pass breakup on a throw to rookie receiver Donaven McCulley. —Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026

Rice, one of the team's better receivers with 156 catches his first three NFL seasons, has proven that he cannot be trusted to stay out of trouble. —Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026

In the fall, Starling caught 56 passes for 1,158 yards and 14 touchdowns as a receiver. —Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026

In 2025, thirty-one receivers had been drafted. —Dan Greene, New Yorker, 18 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing receiver

• receiver general
• wide receiver

Rhymes for receiver

• achiever
• believer
• deceiver
• perceiver
• reliever
• retriever
• transceiver
• cleaver
• fever
• leaver
• weaver
• unbeliever

Kids Definition

receiver

noun

re·​ceiv·​er ri-ˈsē-vər 

: 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 

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