receptacle

noun

re·​cep·​ta·​cle ri-ˈsep-ti-kəl How to pronounce receptacle (audio)
Synonyms of receptacle
1
: one that receives and contains something : container
2
[New Latin receptaculum, from Latin]
a
: the end of the flower stalk upon which the floral organs are borne
b
: a structure or tissue (as of a fungus or fern) bearing spores or sporangia
3
: a mounted female electrical fitting that contains the live parts of the circuit

Synonyms of receptacle

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Examples of receptacle in a Sentence

She used the box as a receptacle for her jewelry. place all wrappers in the trash receptacles at the entrances of the theater
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 inverter itself is rated for 2,400W, or 20A at 120V, so the presence of a 30A receptacle doesn't mean the Elite 300 can continuously provide 30A of AC power. — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026 One of the buds formed a small receptacle that held some musk and balsam, rare and expensive fragrances. — Joëlle Rollo-Koster, The Conversation, 5 Oct. 2026 Marred mugs and glassware can be recycled or used for storage receptacles elsewhere and replaced. — Melissa Breyer, Martha Stewart, 15 Sep. 2026 Trash should be covered and receptacles should be cleaned regularly to avoid attracting flies. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for receptacle

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin receptaculum, from receptare to receive, frequentative of recipere to receive

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of receptacle was in the 15th century

Rhymes for receptacle

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Browse Nearby Words

recept
receptacle
receptacular
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

receptacle

noun
re·​cep·​ta·​cle ri-ˈsep-ti-kəl How to pronounce receptacle (audio)
1
: something used to receive and contain smaller objects : container
2
: the enlarged end of a flower stalk upon which the parts of the flower grow

More from Merriam-Webster on receptacle

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about receptacle

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