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
1
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."
2
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- sockets
- Third person singular
- sockets
- Past tense
- socketed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for socket
See all rhymes for socket →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.
