socket

noun sock·et \ ˈsä-kət \

Updated on: 12 Apr 2018

Definition of socket

: an opening or hollow that forms a holder for something

an electric bulb socket

the eye socket

See socket defined for English-language learners

See socket defined for kids

Examples of socket in a Sentence

She plugged the lamp into the socket.
He screwed the lightbulb into the socket.
His shoulder popped out of its socket.

Recent Examples of socket from the Web

Responding officers first met with Wakefield, and noticed his left arm had been severed at the elbow and right eye had been removed from its socket.

— megan cassidy, azcentral, "Phoenix man who beheaded wife and dogs gets 29 years in prison," 6 Apr. 2018
The labrum is a cartilage ring that follows and cushions the outside rim of the socket of a hip joint.

— andrew lopez, NOLA.com, "LSU's Paul Mainieri confident in Nick Coomes if Hunter Feduccia can't go for season opener," 10 Feb. 2018
With a variety of screwdrivers, pliers, and sockets, the Stanley kit preaches versatility.

— david grossman, Popular Mechanics, "This Stanley Toolkit Is a Perfect DIY Starter Kit," 14 Dec. 2017
The soft flesh of his eyes is sinking, sucked toward the knobby bone of the sockets.

— ellen wayland-smith, Longreads, "Death Rattle: The Body’s Betrayals," 21 Mar. 2018
Placed on top of a cardboard box: Monteiro-Balla’s eyes, which had been removed from their sockets.

— linda trischitta, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Woman accused of killing mother, removing her eyes," 19 Mar. 2018
Japan has unveiled a ‘Supreme’ prototype version of its 186 mph Shinkansen bullet train which features a sharper nose profile, power sockets for every seat, and light-up luggage racks.

— thuy ong, The Verge, "Japan reveals a ‘Supreme’ version of its bullet train," 19 Mar. 2018
The case is pretty sleek and also comes with its own add-on board, heat sink, USB adapter (Type-A), and an mSATA socket for up to 1TB SSDs.

— ian paul, PCWorld, "Celebrate Pi Day 2018 with these great Newegg deals on Raspberry Pi and maker kits," 14 Mar. 2018
The blaze began at an electrical socket where an old refrigerator was plugged in near the garage, according to Hery.

— michelle hunter, NOLA.com, "2 escape unharmed from fire at Old Jefferson home Thursday," 16 July 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of socket

Middle English soket, from Anglo-French, diminutive of soc plowshare, of Celt origin; akin to Middle Irish soc plowshare, snout; akin to Old English sugu sow — more at sow

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

socket

verb

Definition of socket

transitive verb

: to provide with or support in or by a socket

Recent Examples of socket from the Web

The processor is socketed, along with some other components, but the machine was not designed to be upgraded or serviced in this way.

— samuel axon, Ars Technica, "The iMac Pro is now available—here’s how people are already using it," 14 Dec. 2017
Men who couldn’t handle a drill and socket wrench if their lives depended on it love a good duct tape challenge.

— Southern Living, "Why Southerners Love "Duck" Tape," 1 May 2017

First Known Use of socket

1533

SOCKET Defined for English Language Learners

socket

noun

Definition of socket for English Language Learners

: a device in a wall into which an electric cord can be plugged
: an opening on a piece of electrical equipment into which a plug, light bulb, etc., fits
: a hollow part in a bone that holds an eye, a tooth, or another bone

SOCKET Defined for Kids

socket

noun sock·et \ ˈsä-kət \

Definition of socket for Students

: a small opening or hollow part that forms a holder for something

an eye socket

an electric socket

Medical Dictionary

socket

noun sock·et \ ˈsäk-ət \

medical Definition of socket

: an opening or hollow that forms a holder for something: as

a : any of various hollows in body structures in which some other part normally lodges

the bony socket of the eye

an inflamed tooth socket

; especially : the depression in a bone with which the rounded head of another bone fits in a ball-and-socket joint

b : a cavity terminating an artificial limb into which the bodily stump fits — see suction socket

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See words that rhyme with socket Spanish Central: Translation of socket Nglish: Translation of socket for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of socket for Arabic speakers

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socket

Definition of socket

Examples of socket in a Sentence

Recent Examples of socket from the Web

Origin and Etymology of socket

socket

Definition of socket

Recent Examples of socket from the Web

First Known Use of socket

SOCKET Defined for English Language Learners

socket

Definition of socket for English Language Learners

SOCKET Defined for Kids

socket

Definition of socket for Students

Medical Dictionary

socket

medical Definition of socket

Learn More about socket

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