cartridge

noun

car·​tridge ˈkär-trij How to pronounce cartridge (audio)
 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
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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Running Costs and Print Quality: The Power of Choice Brother gives you three options when shopping for replacement toner cartridges. David English, PCMAG, 3 Oct. 2024 The batch notably included Starline Brass cartridges with nickel primers that matched the live bullet that killed Hutchins. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2024 Each of the 50 titles here could reasonably pass as a classic cartridge on its own, with enough content to keep a player busy for a while. Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, 16 Sep. 2024 The snap-open cover for the cartridge is on the left side, while the power button sits on the top, along with two status lights. PCMAG, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cartridge 

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier cartage, modification of Middle French cartouche

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cartridge was in 1626

Dictionary Entries Near cartridge

Cite this Entry

“Cartridge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cartridge. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

cartridge

noun
car·​tridge ˈkär-trij How to pronounce cartridge (audio)
: 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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