any object that can be used to hold things (especially a large metal boxlike object of standardized dimensions that can be loaded from one form of transport to another)

a receptacle fitted beneath the grate in which ashes collect and are removed

a receptacle for the ash from smokers' cigars or cigarettes

a man-made receptacle that houses a swarm of bees

(printing) the receptacle in which a compositor has his type, which is divided into compartments for the different letters, spaces, or numbers

a receptacle for cat excrement