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
The only meal with a plethora of dedicated receptacles?
—
Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 21 July 2025
This trash collection is not just for city residents living in single-family homes or properties of four units or less but includes emptying trash receptacles on city streets, parks, recreation centers, etc.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2025
Residents access the tubes by way of receptacles designated for garbage and recycling, each programmed to automatically release their contents when full.
—Arkansas Online, 15 June 2025
But there are other forces opposed to that new alignment, which, as receptacle of a new global trade route, would maximally empower Turkey’s throw-weight into the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean.
—Melik Kaylan, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for receptacle
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Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 21 July 2025
This trash collection is not just for city residents living in single-family homes or properties of four units or less but includes emptying trash receptacles on city streets, parks, recreation centers, etc.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2025
Residents access the tubes by way of receptacles designated for garbage and recycling, each programmed to automatically release their contents when full.
—Arkansas Online, 15 June 2025
But there are other forces opposed to that new alignment, which, as receptacle of a new global trade route, would maximally empower Turkey’s throw-weight into the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean.
—Melik Kaylan, Forbes.com, 10 July 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 7 Aug. 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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