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

Megan Mays, designer and founder of Ravenhouse Design, suggests using a receptacle that doesn't necessarily look like a trash can, and that adds a dose of style to the room. —Heather Bien, Martha Stewart, 19 Jan. 2026

Or, if that area's too small to accommodate it, clear a cabinet of shelving and tuck a slim receptacle inside. —Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 17 Jan. 2026

Kinto’s travel tumbler ($34) is a handsome receptacle available in a number of colors, with a lid that screws on tight and enough insulation to keep a cup of coffee warm all day long. —Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2025

Cartwright recommends glass or BPA-free plastic receptacles, which are suitable for both refrigeration and reheating. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2025

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