receptacle

noun

re·​cep·​ta·​cle ri-ˈsep-ti-kəl 

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

Synonyms of receptacle

• container

Examples of receptacle in a Sentence

She used the box as a receptacle for her jewelry.

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

Recent Examples on the Web

During the search, police said officers found a body hidden inside a trash receptacle. — Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 30 June 2026

Wilcox of Chicago for use as a paper receptacle. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026

Marcus reconnects with his father and is able to give him a delicious meal, complete with that candle that ended up being a receptacle for the hot caramel sauce that gives this episode its name. — Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026

Take Out the Trash Empty garbage bins and recycling from all rooms—not just the kitchen and bath—and don’t forget special receptacles like compost, diaper pails, and litter boxes. — Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for receptacle

• sceptical
• skeptical

Kids Definition

receptacle

noun

re·​cep·​ta·​cle ri-ˈsep-ti-kəl 

1

: something used to receive and contain smaller objects : container

2

: the enlarged end of a flower stalk upon which the parts of the flower grow