English · Word Candidate

socket

/ˈsɒkɪt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: sockets · socketing · socketed

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Any of various concave objects (or portions of larger objects) that envelop a counterpart object. — An opening into which a plug or other connecting part is designed to fit (e.g. a light bulb socket).

Noun

Examples

Near-synonyms: jack, outlet, receptacle, wall socket

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Any of various concave objects (or portions of larger objects) that envelop a counterpart object. — A hollow into a bone which a part fits, such as an eye, or another bone, in the case of a joint.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To place or fit in a socket.

Verb

Examples

Her head and trunk were carved out of, or rather into, the bole of a great red cedar. She seemed to be part of the tree itself, as if she had grown there at its heart, and the carver had only chipped away the outer wood so that you could see her. Her arms were spliced and socketed to the trunk, and

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “socket” mean?

Is “socket” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.