Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a standard developed that defines the cables, connectors and communication protocols used in a bus for connection, communication and power between computers and electronic devices.
The connector designs were specified by the USB committee. The connector mounted on the host or device is called the receptacle, and the connector attached to the cable is called the plug. The terms male and female represent the plug, and receptacle respectively.
There's a variety of USB cables, including micro-USB, mini-USB, and standard USB.
Standard-A plug or receptacle
The USB A connector is used on devices which provide power (mostly computers).
Standard-B plug
The USB B connector used on devices which receive power like most peripherals such as modern printers or bed scanners.
Mini-A plug
Mini-B plug
Micro-AB plug
Micro-B plug