album

American  

[al-buhm] / ˈæl bəm /

noun

1. 1. a bound or loose-leaf book consisting of blank pages, pockets, envelopes, etc., for storing or displaying photographs, stamps, or the like, or for collecting autographs.

   2. a digital collection of photographs, stored on a computer or mobile device for viewing, displaying, or sharing.

2. 1. a record or set of records containing several musical selections, a complete play or opera, etc..

      Her album of folk songs will be out next month.

   2. the package or container for such a record or records.

      The album has a pocket for each record.

   3. a collection of audio recordings released together as a collected work.

      The digital release of their debut album sold more copies than expected.

3. a printed book containing an anthology of writings, reproductions of photographs or artwork, musical compositions, etc.

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album British  

/ ˈælbəm /

noun

1. a book or binder consisting of blank pages, pockets, or envelopes for keeping photographs, stamps, autographs, drawings, poems, etc

2. one or more CDs, cassettes, or long-playing records released as a single item

3. a booklike holder containing sleeves for gramophone records

4. an anthology, usually large and illustrated

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Etymology

Origin of album

First recorded in 1610–20; 1955–60 album for def. 2; from Latin: neuter singular of albus “white,” i.e., a blank (tablet) painted white for writing on

Explanation

An album is a book of photographs, mementos, or a collection of some other kind — like music. As digital forms of photographs and music become more popular, albums are becoming a thing of the past. A photo album is full of pictures, and a stamp collector's album contains stamps from different countries. Another kind of album is a collection of songs, either on a record or a CD. In Latin, album means "white," and in ancient times it referred to a blank tablet. 16th century German academics kept what they called an album amicorum, or a collection of colleagues' signatures, and from there album came to mean "souvenir book."

Example Sentences

As a young musician in Texas, T Bone, did you hear Ringo’s “Don’t Pass Me By,” from the White Album, as a country song?

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

It is believed Amandi, known for directing popular hits such as The Album and Tiger King and his recent role in Once Upon a Dream, was detained in September.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

But it appeared the wait was worth it as the record shot to number three in the UK Album Charts, making them the highest-charting British R&B girl group in 23 years.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

“The Family Album of Ralph Eugene Meatyard” at the High Museum of Art through May 10 is a good introduction to his unique practice.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026

Later that night he is alone in his room, listening to side 3 of the White Album on his parents’ cast-off RCA turntable.

From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri

Related Words

• collection
• scrapbook