cartridge

noun

car·​tridge ˈkär-trij 

 dialectal  ˈka-trij

: a case or container that holds a substance, device, or material which is difficult, troublesome, or awkward to handle and that usually can be easily changed: such as

a

: a tube (as of metal) containing a complete charge for a firearm and usually an initiating device (such as a primer)

b

: a case containing an explosive charge for blasting

c

: an often cylindrical container for insertion into a larger mechanism or apparatus

d

: cassette sense 2

e

: a small case that contains a phonograph needle and transducer and is attached to a tonearm

f

: a removable case containing a magnetic tape or one or more disks and used as a computer storage medium

g

: a case for holding printed circuit chips containing a computer program

a video-game cartridge

Examples of cartridge in a Sentence

The printer needs a new ink cartridge.

Recent Examples on the Web

Plus, the stainless steel blade cartridge can be removed easily and placed in the dishwasher. —Jack Byram, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2024

The use of ink bottles rather than ink cartridges lowers running costs over the long term as well. —David Nield / Gizmodo, Quartz, 8 Apr. 2024

An inkjet printer is likely the most inexpensive way to start and gives you a lot of flexibility, though purchasing ink cartridges that work with the device can be a bit frustrating (and pricey). —Karl Klockars, PCMAG, 1 Apr. 2024

The turntable can also be upgraded when the user wants with the option of upgrading the cartridge or using an external phono stage. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

Two unspent bullet cartridges were found near the scene, investigators said. —Andrew Paparella, ABC News, 2 Feb. 2024

Note that It’s designed to hold standard 10-ounce cartridges only. —Nor'adila Hepburn, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Mar. 2024

Rather than putting a tiny battery in each and every film cartridge, the cameras would provide power themselves. —Eric Ravenscraft, WIRED, 24 Mar. 2024

The company uses Pro-Ject components for its turntable and a carbon-fiber tonearm along with an Ortofon 2M Silver cartridge. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier cartage, modification of Middle French cartouche

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cartridge

• cartridge belt

Kids Definition

cartridge

noun

car·​tridge ˈkär-trij 

: a case or container that holds a substance or device which is difficult, troublesome, or awkward to handle and that can be easily changed: as

a

: a tube containing a complete charge for a firearm

b

: a holder for photographic film

c

: a device on a phonograph that changes vibrations of the needle into electrical signals

d

: a case for holding a magnetic tape or disk

e

: a case for holding integrated circuits containing a computer program

a video-game cartridge