socket

noun sock·et \ ˈsä-kət \

|Updated on: 6 Jun 2018

Examples: socket in a Sentence

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

Where did Chewie start ripping people’s arms out of their sockets?

— dan gvozden, The Hollywood Reporter, "74 'Star Wars' Questions 'Solo' Insisted on Answering," 1 June 2018
With an artificial socket and limb, every 15 pounds mean a readjustment.

— mike jensen, Philly.com, "Former Temple big man Ron Rollerson, having lost a leg, finds a new sport," 24 May 2018
The LEDs are sourced from Lego, and so are the power sources, which can either be a Lego Power Functions battery box or a 9-volt Lego Trains speed regulator plugged into a wall socket.

— aurich lawson, Ars Technica, "A functional pinball machine made entirely from Lego bricks," 10 May 2018
Nine-month old Galila, her ribs sharply outlined, her eyes bulging in shrunken sockets, sat in the lap of her mother, Aisha.

— Washington Post, "For Yemeni mothers, skipped meals and gnawing stomachs," 3 May 2018
These bulbs from Sengled have Bluetooth speakers built-in, connect to Amazon Echo, and fit into standard E26 light sockets or fixtures.

— courtney campbell, USA TODAY, "These are the 5 best deals you can get on Amazon right now," 18 Apr. 2018
Cameron Wilbon was fixated on his left kneecap, which was hanging out of its socket.

— mike hutton, Post-Tribune, "Hutton: Two years after a 'heartbreaking' dislocated knee injury, Cameron Wilbon signs with Robert Morris," 15 Apr. 2018
The processor mounts into a socket that catches its pins.

— brendan nystedt, WIRED, "Want to Learn More About Computers? Try Building Your Own PC," 4 Apr. 2018
Inspired by club girls with some '60s and '70s influences, Gigi and Bella Hadid were seen backstage with wet purple shadow etched along the sockets of their eyes and winged out like liner.

— devon abelman, Allure, "Pat McGrath Teases New Product Backstage at Anna Sui's Fall 2018 Show," 13 Feb. 2018

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

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

socket

verb

Definition of socket

socketed; socketing; sockets

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

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

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