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• random access
  random access

  noun

  the capacity of a videodisc or compact disc player that allows the user to select and replay any portion without starting at the beginning.
• random-access
  random-access

  adjective

  direct-access.

random access

¹ American  

noun

1. the capacity of a videodisc or compact disc player that allows the user to select and replay any portion without starting at the beginning.

2. availability, as of a service or facility, whenever needed or desired.

   an executive's need for random access to legal experts.

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random-access ² American  

[ran-duhm-ak-ses] / ˈræn dəmˈæk sɛs /

adjective

Computers.

1. direct-access.

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random access British  

noun

1. another name for direct access

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Etymology

Origin of random access

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Chinatown and downtown L.A. residents will be able to easily access the station via ride share, Metro rail or on foot.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

Thousands of past and current SpaceX employees with company shares will soon be able to easily access life-changing fortunes after the company makes its stock-market debut.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

And for all the money spent, individuals can’t easily access the system.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 26, 2026

I could no longer easily access online financial services, job listings, news, or any of the other resources that we take for granted in the 21st century.

From Slate • Nov. 28, 2025

We could easily access other articles on the same topic with search engines sorting out articles by date, author, title, or subject.

From A Short History of EBooks by Lebert, Marie