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

Example Sentences

Robyn waits long enough between albums—anywhere from five to eight years is typical—that each lands in an entirely new cultural context.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Swedish pop singer maintains her distinct musical personality on a new album—her first since 2018—reflecting on life in middle age.

From The Wall Street Journal

The group’s self-titled debut album came out in 1975; at the time, the band had a more ornate sound à la Genesis.

From Los Angeles Times

Her 1986 album “Control” is credited for ushering in the New Jack Swing era of R&B, a sound defined in part by its producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

From Salon

Known professionally as Moor Mother, Ayewa has released over half a dozen solo albums and collaborated with artists like Billy Woods, Screaming Females, and the Avalanches.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• collection
• scrapbook