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receptacle

noun re·cep·ta·cle \ ri-ˈsep-ti-kəl \
|Updated on: 11 Aug 2018

Definition of receptacle

1 : one that receives and contains something : container
2
[New Latin receptaculum, from Latin]
a : the end of the flower stalk upon which the floral organs are borne
b : a structure or tissue (as of a fungus or fern) bearing spores or sporangia
3 : a mounted female electrical fitting that contains the live parts of the circuit

See receptacle defined for English-language learners

See receptacle defined for kids

Examples of receptacle in a Sentence

  1. She used the box as a receptacle for her jewelry.

  2. place all wrappers in the trash receptacles at the entrances of the theater

Recent Examples of receptacle from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'receptacle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of receptacle

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin receptaculum, from receptare to receive, frequentative of recipere to receive

receptacle Synonyms

Synonyms

container, holder, vessel;

Related Words

carrier;

cartridge;

basket, bin, box, caddy, carton, case, casket, crate, handbasket, locker, trunk;

bag, hamper, pocket, sack;

cooler, warmer;

basin, bottle, bowl, bucket, can, jar, jug, keg, kettle, kit, pack, pail, pitcher, pot, tub, vat;

RECEPTACLE Defined for English Language Learners

receptacle

noun

Definition of receptacle for English Language Learners

  • : a container that is used to hold something

  • : a device into which an electric cord can be plugged in order to provide electricity for a lamp, television, etc.

RECEPTACLE Defined for Kids

receptacle

noun re·cep·ta·cle \ ri-ˈsep-tə-kəl \

Definition of receptacle for Students

: something used to receive and hold smaller objects
  • a trash receptacle

Learn More about receptacle

  1. See words that rhyme with receptacle Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for receptacle Spanish Central: Translation of receptacle Nglish: Translation of receptacle for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of receptacle for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about receptacle

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