receptacle
noun
re·cep·ta·cle
ri-ˈsep-ti-kəl 
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
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
Formed to offer genetic testing services directly to consumers, who spit into a receptacle and mailed it to the company for DNA analysis, its founders included Anne Wojcicki, who was married to Google co-founder Sergei Brin at the time.
—
Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025
In the footage, the individual pulls up to the secluded dumpster in their car and quickly dumps the cat on top of the overflowing trash receptacle.
—Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
The outside of these types of receptacles need a bit of buffing with a dry microfiber towel to rid of fingerprints, smudges, and stains.
—Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024
Go Dark Once grass seeds are in the proper receptacle, store them in an area where there isn't any light.
—Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for receptacle
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Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025
In the footage, the individual pulls up to the secluded dumpster in their car and quickly dumps the cat on top of the overflowing trash receptacle.
—Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
The outside of these types of receptacles need a bit of buffing with a dry microfiber towel to rid of fingerprints, smudges, and stains.
—Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024
Go Dark Once grass seeds are in the proper receptacle, store them in an area where there isn't any light.
—Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for receptacle
Cite this Entry
“Receptacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receptacle. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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