plural receptacles
1
formal
: a container that is used to hold something
She used the box as a receptacle for her jewelry.
a trash receptacle
—sometimes used figurativelyHe became a receptacle for his father's love and kindness.
2
US
: a device into which an electric cord can be plugged in order to provide electricity for a lamp, television, etc.
an electrical receptacle [=outlet]
Cite this Entry
“Receptacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/receptacle. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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