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

Cameron Picton, of the British band Black Midi, releases the self-titled debut album of his new project, channeling a riot of influences into a folky, singularly enriching LP.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Clannad performed their farewell concert in Dublin in 2023, on the 50th anniversary of the release of their debut album.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

It was the singer’s first live performance of the single from her new album, “Man’s Best Friend.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

The Rolling Stones have mysteriously released a new limited edition single on vinyl only, under the band name The Cockroaches, further fueling speculation the British rockers are poised to drop a 25th studio album.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

When I finished eating, I placed my plate and mug in the plastic bin for dirty dishes and walked to the wall decorated with album covers.

From "The First Rule of Punk" by Celia C. Pérez

Related Words

• collection
• scrapbook