cartridge

noun

car·​tridge ˈkär-trij 

 dialectal  ˈka-trij

: a case or container that holds a substance, device, or material which is difficult, troublesome, or awkward to handle and that usually can be easily changed: such as

a

: a tube (as of metal) containing a complete charge for a firearm and usually an initiating device (such as a primer)

b

: a case containing an explosive charge for blasting

c

: an often cylindrical container for insertion into a larger mechanism or apparatus

d

: cassette sense 2

e

: a small case that contains a phonograph needle and transducer and is attached to a tonearm

f

: a removable case containing a magnetic tape or one or more disks and used as a computer storage medium

g

: a case for holding printed circuit chips containing a computer program

a video-game cartridge

Examples of cartridge in a Sentence

The printer needs a new ink cartridge.

Recent Examples on the Web

The solution is then loaded into a cartridge and inserted into the machine. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 9 Jan. 2025

That solution is then inserted into a cartridge for the Cell BioPrint to analyze. —Victoria Song, The Verge, 6 Jan. 2025

Some lucky folks got a heads-up last week that a trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was about to drop when Paramount Pictures released a playable Sega Genesis gaming cartridge to select individuals. —Ars Technica, 25 Nov. 2024

Investigators found a silver cartridge on the ground between Libby and Abby's bodies. —Jenny Porter Tilley, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier cartage, modification of Middle French cartouche

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cartridge

• cartridge belt

Kids Definition

cartridge

noun

car·​tridge ˈkär-trij 

: a case or container that holds a substance or device which is difficult, troublesome, or awkward to handle and that can be easily changed: as

a

: a tube containing a complete charge for a firearm

b

: a holder for photographic film

c

: a device on a phonograph that changes vibrations of the needle into electrical signals

d

: a case for holding a magnetic tape or disk

e

: a case for holding integrated circuits containing a computer program

a video-game cartridge