socket

UK: /ˈsɒkɪt/ US: /ˈsɑkɪt/ ,(sok′it)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

sock•et /ˈsɑkɪt/   n. [countable]

1. a hollow part that contains or fits into another part:
   a socket for a light bulb.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

sock•et  (sok′it), n. 

1. a hollow part or piece for receiving and holding some part or thing.
2. Electricity
   • a device intended to hold an electric light bulb mechanically and connect it electrically to circuit wires.
   • Also called wall socket. a socket placed in a wall to receive a plug that makes an electrical connection with supply wiring.
3. Anatomy
   • a hollow in one part that receives another part:
     the socket of the eye.
   • the concavity of a joint:
     the socket of the hip.

v.t. 

4. to place in or fit with a socket.

• Gaulish *soccos; compare Welsh swch, Old Irish socc) + -et -et
• Anglo-French, equivalent. to Old French soc plowshare (
• Middle English soket 1300–50

sock′et•less, adj. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

socket / ˈsɒkɪt/ noun

1. a device into which an electric plug can be inserted in order to make a connection in a circuit
2. such a device mounted on a wall and connected to the electricity supply
3. a part with an opening or hollow into which some other part, such as a pipe, probe, etc, can be fitted
4. a bony hollow into which a part or structure fits: a tooth socket, an eye socket
5. the receptacle of a ball-and-socket joint

verb

1. (transitive) to furnish with or place into a socket

Etymology: 13th Century: from Anglo-Norman soket a little ploughshare, from soc, of Celtic origin; compare Cornish soch ploughshare