cassette

[ kuh-set, ka- ]

noun

1. Also called cassette tape. a compact case containing a length of magnetic tape that runs between two small reels: used for recording or playback of audio or video in a tape recorder, cassette deck, video camera, or VCR, and for storage of data by some small computer systems. audiocassette, videocassette.
2. Photography. a lightproof metal or plastic container for a roll of film, having a single spool for supplying and rewinding the film.
3. a replaceable or refillable cartridge in a typewriter or printer that contains the ribbon or ink.
4. a case or tray in a printer or copier that holds the paper.

cassette

/ kæˈsɛt /

noun

1. 1. a plastic container for magnetic tape, as one inserted into a tape deck
   2. ( as modifier )

      a cassette recorder

2. photog another term for cartridge
3. films a container for film used to facilitate the loading of a camera or projector, esp when the film is used in the form of a loop
4. the injection of genes from one species into the fertilized egg of another species

Word History and Origins

Origin of cassette¹

1955–60; < French, equivalent to casse “box” ( case ² ) + -ette -ette

Word History and Origins

Origin of cassette¹

C18: from French: little box; see case ²

Example Sentences

The cassette tapes are said to include "unfiltered moments" such as Paul McCartney swearing about a hostile journalist and 15 minutes of live concert recordings.

From BBC

When I was a kid, I had a VHS cassette of “The Best of John Belushi,” and I watched it on a loop.

From Los Angeles Times

The other option, cassettes, where the material had been bent and folded, had not.

From BBC

His earliest efforts saw a redesign of the band's logo, replacing a swirling union jack motif used on their demo cassette with a simple black-and-white box inspired by the Decca Records label from the 1960s.

From BBC

For disguise purposes the characters, with names like Starscream, Cyclonus and Ironhide, can switch to alternate forms from cars and planes to animals, weapons and - in a sign of its 1980s roots - cassette players.

From BBC

Related Words

• tape