cassette

American  

[kuh-set, ka-] / kəˈsɛt, kæ- /

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.

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.

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cassette British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of cassette

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

Example Sentences

Finding shows made before 2008 required a production assistant to search through shelves of cassette cases, some with only a Post-It note to identify what was inside.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

This cassette specifically targets resistance genes carried on plasmids, which are small circular DNA molecules that replicate inside bacterial cells.

From Science Daily • Feb. 18, 2026

The subsequent invention of the cassette tape set the stage in the 1980s for both the VHS vs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026

Introduced in the 1980s, Teddy Ruxpin told stories aloud when a tape cassette was inserted into the animatronic bear’s back.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 24, 2025

“Do you have a cassette tape or any kind of music?”

From "Like Vanessa" by Tami Charles

Related Words

• tape