: one that receives: such as
a
b(1)
: a person appointed to hold in trust and administer property under litigation
(2)
: a person appointed to settle the affairs of a business involving a public interest or to manage a corporation during reorganization
c
: one that receives stolen goods : fence
d
: a device for converting signals (such as electromagnetic waves) into audio or visual form: such as
(1)
: a device in a telephone for converting electric impulses or varying current into sound
(2)
: a radio receiver with a tuner and amplifier on one chassis
e(1)
(2)
: a member of the offensive team in football eligible to catch a forward pass

Examples of receiver in a Sentence

She angrily slammed down the phone's receiver.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The long drives were buoyed by bold play calling, with the Broncos going 4-for-4 on fourth downs, including a trick play in which Madsen pretended to fumble the ball before connecting with sophomore receiver AJ Jones for 7 yards and a first down. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 11 Oct. 2026 Instead, quarterback Josh Hoover faked a handoff, the receivers sprinted downfield, and Nick Marsh came wide open for a 44-yard touchdown pass that proved the game-winner. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026 Fitzpatrick appeared to lead with his helmet and was flagged for a hit on a defenseless receiver. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026 But at his worst, Willis has been a mess - error-prone, inaccurate, unable at times to spot open receivers. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for receiver

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of receiver was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Receiver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receiver. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

receiver

noun
: one that receives: as
a
: a person appointed to take control of property that is involved in a lawsuit or of a business that is bankrupt or is being reorganized
b
: equipment for receiving radio or television broadcasts
c
: a device for changing electricity or radio waves into light or sound
d
: an offensive football player who may catch a forward pass

Legal Definition

receiver

noun
1
: an officer charged with receiving tax payments or returns and other related duties (as the maintenance of tax rolls)
2
: a person appointed by the court to hold in trust and administer property in litigation
especially : one appointed to administer, conserve, rehabilitate, or liquidate the assets of an insolvent corporation for the protection or relief of creditors compare conservator, liquidator

More from Merriam-Webster on receiver

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