English Reference

Word

socket

Phoneticssock·et, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈsɑkət/

UK/sˈɒkɪt/

Definitions

01electrical outlet

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. the place on a wall where you plug in electrical equipment.

n. a device or opening into which an electric plug can be inserted to make a connection.

“He plugged the vacuum cleaner into the wall socket in the hallway.”

“The contractor installed several additional sockets in the home office to accommodate the client's extensive computer equipment and peripherals.”

Synonyms

outletpower point

Antonyms

02anatomical cavity

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Medicine

n. a hollow space in the body that holds a part, like an eye or a bone.

n. a natural hollow or cavity in the body into which another part, such as a bone or an organ, fits.

“The skull has two large sockets that hold the eyes in place.”

“The surgeon carefully examined the hip socket to determine if the joint replacement was properly aligned with the pelvic bone.”

Synonyms

03network endpoint

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Computing Technical

n. a connection point for sending and receiving data over a computer network.

n. one endpoint of a two-way communication link between two programs running on a network.

“The software failed to connect because the server socket was already in use.”

“The application establishes a secure socket to ensure that all data transmitted between the client and the server remains encrypted.”

Synonyms

04mechanical fitting

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a hollow part of a tool or machine that another part fits into.

n. a hollow part or piece of a mechanism into which a corresponding part is inserted or revolves.

“You need a different size socket for the wrench to loosen this bolt.”

“The lightbulb was stuck in the socket because the metal had corroded over several years of exposure to moisture.”

Synonyms

05to fit into a hole

C2 · Proficiency Formal · Technical

v. to place or fit something into a socket.

v. to place, fit, or secure an object within a corresponding hollow or receptacle.

“The technician carefully socketed the new processor into the motherboard.”

“The structural components are designed to be socketed together, providing a rigid frame without the need for external fasteners.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

Real-World Examples

“He noticed – after some time – and said: “Thompson, why are you wearing blue lipstick?” I tried to speak but my jaw had frozen in its sockets.”
The Guardian 8 Oct 2026
“Being able to see the internal parts through its socket holes can be a sign it is unsafe - they should have safety shutters instead.”
BBC News 28 Jul 2026
“The iPhone 7 will not have a traditional headphone socket.”
BBC News 7 Sept 2016
“The Window Socket, a prototype portable charger, is a cool idea: stick it to a pane of glass and it harnesses the sun's energy, giving you an extra outlet in a hotel room or on a long train ride.”
The Economist 9 May 2013

Etymology

From Middle English socket, soket, from Anglo-Norman soket (“spearhead”), diminutive of Old French soc (“plowshare”), from Vulgar Latin soccus, a word borrowed from Gaulish, from Proto-Celtic sukkos (compare modern Welsh swch (“plowshare”)), literally "pig's snout", from Proto-Indo-European *suH-.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Domains

AnatomyComputing

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/socket

English Reference