noun

socket

socket, outlet, receptacle

Plug the lamp into the wall socket.

Plug the lamp into the wall socket.

The light bulb fits in this socket.

The light bulb fits in this socket.

His arm was pulled from its socket.

His arm was pulled from its socket.

((a)) wall socket an electrical outlet Plug it into the wall socket.

((a)) light socket a holder for a bulb Screw the bulb into the light socket.

Synonyms: outlet, receptacle, jack, holder

From Middle English, a diminutive of Old French 'soc', meaning 'plowshare', perhaps from the shape.

Think of it as a 'pocket' for a plug or a bulb. It's like a little 'sock' (-et is a diminutive suffix) for something to fit into.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.