First Known Use: 1626
Dictionary
cartridge
noun car·tridge \ˈkär-trij, dial ˈka-trij\
: a tube which you put into a gun and which contains a bullet and explosive material
: a case or container that you put into a machine to make it work
Full Definition of CARTRIDGE
: 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: as a : a tube (as of metal) containing a complete charge for a firearm and usually an initiating device (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 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>
See cartridge defined for English-language learners
See cartridge defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CARTRIDGE
alteration of earlier cartage, modification of Middle French cartouche
Rhymes with CARTRIDGE
CARTRIDGES Defined for Kids
cartridge
noun car·tridge \ˈkär-trij\
Definition of CARTRIDGE for Kids
1
: a case or shell containing gunpowder and shot or a bullet for use in a firearm
2
: a container that is inserted into a machine to make it work <an ink cartridge>
Learn More About CARTRIDGE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: cartridge bagPrevious Word in the Dictionary: cart pathAll Words Near: cartridge
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up cartridge? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).