Receptacle may refer to any of the following:

  1. In general, a receptacle is anything meant to contain or “receive” something else.

  2. Also known as a female connector, a receptacle is any port or jack designed for a specific type of cable. The word receptacle commonly describes the portion of a wall outlet that the power cord is plugged into. It can also describe any other connector type, like a USB port, headphone jack, or HDMI port.

  3. A receptacle can refer to any waste bin or garbage can. Some receptacles are designated specifically for e-waste like unwanted cell phones, encouraging people to separate electronics from other discarded items. Others are meant for items like ink cartridges. Receptacles like these, usually found in electronics stores, allow the parts to be recycled more easily instead of sending it to the landfill with other garbage.

  • What is the difference between a connector, jack, plug, and port?
  • See our connection page for a full list of internal and external ports.

Electronics terms, Hardware terms, Jack, Power terms, Recycle Bin, Trash

  • Computer disposal, donation, and recycling information.