Forum: ell.stackexchange.com
Tags: <meaning><word-choice><etymology><synonyms>
Title: What are the differences between "receptacle" and "container"?
Question: Generally, both "receptacle" and "container" refer to an object that contains some other object(s). What are the differences between these two words? Do they differ in meaning, usage, or origin?  I searched "difference between receptacle and container" in Google but the only two relevant results ( [1] ,  [2] ) can both be summarized as "They are basically the same thing".

Answers:
sents: text: Receptacle <-- receives something Container <-- contains something Sender <-- sends something A receiver uses his receptacle to receive something.
text: Then he puts it into his container (memory) to keep it contained and safe.
text: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/receptacle 1375-1425; Middle English (< Old French) < Latin receptāculum reservoir, equivalent to receptā(re) to take again, receive back (frequentative of recipere to receive ) + -culum -cle2
answer_details: author: ell.stackexchange.com/users/56249/DisplayName
score: 8
sents: text: An instructive synonym for receptacle in an electrical sense is socket (discussed in depth here under difference between “socket” and “outlet” ).
text: Socket can't usually be a synonym for container .
text: A major part of the difference in use is to do with the purpose.
text: You can call a litter bin a trash container or a trash receptacle .
text: In the former case you're emphasising storage, in the latter, you're emphasising acceptance.
text: You may have been a little unlucky with your choice of dictionary.
text: Merriam-Webster has "one that receives and contains something", Cambridge has "a container used for storing or putting objects in" (emphasis mine in both cases).
answer_details: author: ell.stackexchange.com/users/5323/Chris H
score: 6
sents: text: A trash bin may be called a trash receptacle or a trash container, but a power receptacle would not be called a power container.
text: The "receiving" done by a power receptacle, in my connotation is that it receives the plug from the device to be powered.
text: There is some overlap
text: but, as others have mentioned, the root of "receptacle" is "receive" and the root of "container" is "contain".
text: Google Search
answer_details: author: ell.stackexchange.com/users/1811/TecBrat
score: 1
sents: text: You could look to the common phrase, "place the item in the proper receptacle", and derive that receptacle is a more specified type of container; a container designated to receive a particular item.
text: Consider where trash is sorted by different materials; glass goes into the glass receptacle, paper in the paper receptacle, etc.
answer_details: author: ell.stackexchange.com/users/57535/PV22
score: 1
sents: text: The difference is in what the object is used for.
text: When I see "container" I think of something people put stuff into that the want to store for some indefinite period of time, then remove and use.
text: When I see "receptacle" I think of something that people put stuff into for a specific reason, that someone else is going to remove to use for whatever purpose.
text: Examples:
text: I put my leftover dinner in a plastic container so I can take it to work tomorrow.
text: I dropped the empty can in the aluminum receptacle.
text: "Receptacle" can also refer to where you plug electrical cords, but, in AE at least, it is more often called an "outlet".
answer_details: author: ell.stackexchange.com/users/409/Kevin
score: 1

Summary of the answers:
The difference is in what the object is used for.  Container often refers to storage of something for a period of time, then remove and use, such as putting leftovers in a plastic container. Receptacle often refers to use for a specific reason, as in a receptacle for empty cans.
The distinction is in the function of the object.