# cartridge

/ˈkɑɹtɹədʒ/ (US) · /kˈɑːtɹɪdʒ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cartridge
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. printer ink

noun · CEFR B1

a small container that holds ink or toner for a computer printer.

For teachers: a replaceable vessel containing ink or toner, designed for use in a computer printer.

- The printer stopped working because the black ink cartridge was empty.
- The office manager ordered a bulk supply of toner cartridges to ensure the high-volume laser printer remained operational during the busy season.

### 2. ammunition

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a single piece of ammunition for a gun, containing the bullet and the powder.

For teachers: a complete unit of ammunition consisting of a casing, primer, propellant, and projectile.

- The hunter loaded a fresh cartridge into his rifle before heading into the woods.
- Forensic experts examined the spent cartridge found at the scene to determine the calibre of the weapon used in the incident.

### 3. video games

noun · CEFR B1

a plastic case containing a game that you plug into an old game console.

For teachers: a removable enclosure containing read-only memory chips, used for loading software onto legacy home computers or video game consoles.

- He blew on the game cartridge to clean the dust off before putting it in the console.
- Collectors often pay a premium for vintage game cartridges that still include their original packaging and instruction manuals.

### 4. modular part

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

any small part of a machine that you can replace easily with a new one.

For teachers: a prefabricated subassembly designed to be easily installed in or removed from a larger mechanism.

- The plumber replaced the ceramic cartridge inside the leaky tap.
- The modular design allows technicians to swap out the filter cartridge in seconds without having to dismantle the entire purification system.

## Examples

- I need to buy a new ink cartridge for my printer.
- The technician showed me how to snap the toner cartridge into place without spilling any powder.
- Before the digital era, many home video game systems relied on physical cartridges that contained the entire game's software on a printed circuit board.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.