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

Space toilets use air flow to pull urine and feces away and into receptacles, which are stored for disposal. —Bymary Kekatos, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026

In the nightmare scenario that kicks off Transcription, the disabling of the narrator’s phone—that ingenious receptacle for distraction, and discomfort, and crap—sets in motion a series of observations and reminiscences that prod the narrator’s unconscious, bringing the novel into being. —Hannah Gold, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026

The small grab-and-go posts were little more than event spaces, photo ops, and receptacles for OK-at-best coffee. —Li Goldstein, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026

Some employees hadn’t completed an accredited food-handler course, the outside trash receptacles weren’t covered and there was insufficient hot water in the employee restroom. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Mar. 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