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
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.
Vaping devices and cartridges will also be accepted with lithium batteries removed. Christian Martinez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2025 Although cannabis products like buds and hash can’t be imported or exported due to federal illegality in the U.S., the industry still heavily relies on imports from China for essential equipment to grow cannabis, machinery, and accessories—everything from vaporizers to packaging and cartridges. Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 Each blade has a pull tab at the top of its cartridge; just give it a gentle yank to remove it. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025 Bugas and his cousin thought Cooper was joking, but the man returned half an hour later with a heavy rifle and two boxes of cartridges. Michael Luo, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cartridge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cartridge. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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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