noun Uncommon

socket

SO-kiht

Socket (noun) means a hollow opening designed to hold or receive a matching part, such as an electrical plug or a light bulb. Example: “Plug the lamp into the wall socket.”

noun

A hollow opening designed to hold or receive a matching part, such as an electrical plug or a light bulb.

"Plug the lamp into the wall socket."

"The bone fits snugly into its socket at the hip joint."

In computing, an endpoint used for sending and receiving data between programs over a network.

"The server listens for connections on a network socket."

How to use socket

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA hole or fitting that something else plugs or slots into, whether physical (electrical, anatomical) or in software (network connections).

Common pairings

power socket eye socket network socket

Word forms

socketed past tense, sockets plural, sockets singular

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Plug the lamp into the wall _____.

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman soket, a diminutive of Old French soc ("plowshare"), ultimately from a Celtic word meaning "pig's snout" — describing the pointed shape.

Origin: Old French

Rhymes for socket

pocket rocket docket locket sprocket skyrocket pickpocket

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Frequently asked questions

What does “socket” mean?

The word “socket” means a hollow opening designed to hold or receive a matching part, such as an electrical plug or a light bulb. In plain terms, a hole or fitting that something else plugs or slots into, whether physical (electrical, anatomical) or in software (network connections).

How do you pronounce “socket”?

“Socket” is pronounced SO-kiht (/ˈsɑkɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “socket” in a sentence?

Here is “socket” used in a sentence: “Plug the lamp into the wall socket.”

What part of speech is “socket”?

“Socket” is a noun.

Where does the word “socket” come from?

The word “socket” comes from Old French. From Anglo-Norman soket, a diminutive of Old French soc ("plowshare"), ultimately from a Celtic word meaning "pig's snout" — describing the pointed shape.

Is “socket” a common word?

“Socket” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “socket” have?

“Socket” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a hollow opening designed to hold or receive a matching part, such as an electrical plug or a light bulb.