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Definition of receptacle

receptacle

/rɪˈsɛptəkəl/
re · cep · ta · cle
Plural:receptacles
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receptacle Lexical Profile

receptacle Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An object or space used to contain or hold something.

Example

"Please ensure that all recyclable materials are placed in the blue receptacle near the exit."

2

North American An electrical fitting connected to a power supply and designed to receive a plug.

Example

"The electrician installed a grounded receptacle in the kitchen wall to safely accommodate the new microwave."

3

The thickened part of a plant stem from which the flower organs grow.

Example

"In a strawberry, the sweet, fleshy part we eat is actually an enlarged receptacle rather than the true fruit."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for receptacle

• Rhymes for receptacle

• Nearby Words

recenter
recently
recentness
receptacle
reception
receptionist
receptive

Word Origin & Etymology

From Latin 'receptaculum' (a place to receive or keep things), derived from 'receptare', a frequentative form of 'recipere' (to receive, take back).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Receptacle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/receptacle
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