A1 noun Neutral #2,014 most common

socket

/ˈsɒkɪt/

A socket is a device or a hole into which something fits. In the home, it is usually a place in the wall where you connect electrical equipment to the power supply using a plug.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I need to find a socket to charge my phone.

I need to find a socket to charge my phone.

2

The technician replaced the damaged electrical socket in the hallway.

The technician replaced the damaged electrical socket in the hallway.

3

Is there a spare socket over there for my laptop?

Is there a spare socket over there for my laptop?

Word Family

Noun
socket
Verb
socket
Adjective
socketed
Related
socket wrench
💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'pocket'. Just as you put your hands into your pocket, you put a plug into a socket.

Quick Quiz

Please put the computer plug into the wall ______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: socket

Examples

1

I need to find a socket to charge my phone.

everyday

I need to find a socket to charge my phone.

2

The technician replaced the damaged electrical socket in the hallway.

formal

The technician replaced the damaged electrical socket in the hallway.

3

Is there a spare socket over there for my laptop?

informal

Is there a spare socket over there for my laptop?

4

The research facility requires specialized high-voltage sockets for the machinery.

academic

The research facility requires specialized high-voltage sockets for the machinery.

5

The new office design includes floor sockets for every desk station.

business

The new office design includes floor sockets for every desk station.

Word Family

Noun
socket
Verb
socket
Adjective
socketed
Related
socket wrench

Common Collocations

wall socket wall socket
electrical socket electrical socket
plug into a socket plug into a socket
double socket double socket
loose socket loose socket

Common Phrases

eye socket

eye socket

hip socket

hip socket

wall socket

wall socket

Often Confused With

socket vs plug

A plug is the part with pins that you hold, while a socket is the hole in the wall that receives it.

📝

Usage Notes

In British English, 'socket' or 'plug socket' is the standard term, whereas in American English, 'outlet' is more commonly used for electrical connections.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Many learners call both the cable end and the wall hole a 'plug'. Remember: the plug goes into the socket.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'pocket'. Just as you put your hands into your pocket, you put a plug into a socket.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French word 'soquet', which referred to the head of a spear or a small plowshare into which a handle was fitted.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Plural: sockets Often used with the preposition 'into'
🌍

Cultural Context

Electrical sockets vary globally in shape and voltage, often requiring international travelers to carry 'travel adapters'.

Quick Quiz

Please put the computer plug into the wall ______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: socket

More Home words

dining room

A1

A specific room in a house or building used primarily for eating meals. It usually contains a large table and several chairs for family members and guests.

garage

A1

A garage is a building or a part of a house where you keep cars or other vehicles to protect them. It can also be a place where a mechanic repairs cars or where people sell fuel.

basement

A1

A basement is the lowest floor of a building, usually located partly or completely underground. It is commonly used for storage, laundry, or as an extra living space in a home.

balcony

A1

A balcony is an outdoor platform that is attached to the upper floor of a building. It is usually surrounded by a low wall or railing for safety and is used for sitting or looking at the view.

porch

A1

A porch is a covered structure attached to the entrance of a building. It typically has a roof and serves as a space to sit outside while being protected from rain or direct sun.

drawer

A1

A drawer is a sliding, box-shaped container that is part of a piece of furniture like a desk or a dresser. It is used to store things like clothes, papers, or tools and can be pulled out to reach what is inside.

fridge

A1

A fridge is a large kitchen appliance used to keep food and drinks cold so they stay fresh for longer. It is the shortened, most common name for a refrigerator used in daily life.

stove

A1

A stove is a large piece of kitchen equipment used for cooking food. It provides heat through burners on the top or an enclosed space called an oven.

microwave

A1

A microwave is a common kitchen appliance used to cook or heat food very quickly using electromagnetic waves. It is mostly used for reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen items, or making quick meals.

washing machine

A1

A washing machine is a large household appliance used to wash clothes, towels, and linens automatically. It uses water, detergent, and mechanical action to clean fabrics during different timed cycles.

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