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

The victim’s prosthetic leg was reportedly removed as a trophy of war and used as a beer-drinking receptacle by Australian troops. —The Week Uk, TheWeek, 19 Apr. 2026

Just load up fresh coffee grounds into the bottom, add hot water to the top, unlock the piston, and press the button to extract it back into the top water receptacle. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2026

Midsize containers and sets cost $20-$40 and may include separate receptacles for waste and sharps disposal. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2026

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

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