receptacle

noun

re·​cep·​ta·​cle ri-ˈsep-ti-kəl 

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

• container
• holder
• vessel

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

The following drop-off sites in Gary will have receptacles for recycling starting Feb. 1: Grand Boulevard and Miller Avenue; 900 Madison St. (Gary General Services site) 3600 West 3rd Ave. —Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025

Laura Palmer’s house is this receptacle for her trauma. —Rachel Handler, Vulture, 17 Jan. 2025

Why do that to yourself when there are so many gorgeous receptacles that make drinking water a joy? —Alexis Berger, SELF, 15 Jan. 2025

Plugging in an energy-usage monitor between your refrigerator and electrical receptacle can show you exactly how much energy your appliance is using. 6. —Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2025

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

Kids Definition

receptacle

noun

re·​cep·​ta·​cle ri-ˈsep-ti-kəl 

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