gramophone

American  

[gram-uh-fohn] / ˈgræm əˌfoʊn /

noun

1. a phonograph.

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gramophone British  

/ ˌɡræməˈfɒnɪk, ˈɡræməˌfəʊn /

noun

1. 1. US and Canadian name: phonograph.  Also called: acoustic gramophone.  a device for reproducing the sounds stored on a record: now usually applied to the nearly obsolete type that uses a clockwork motor and acoustic horn

   2. ( as modifier )

      a gramophone record

2. the technique and practice of recording sound on disc

   the gramophone has made music widely available

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Other Word Forms

• gramophonic adjective
• gramophonical adjective
• gramophonically adverb

Etymology

Origin of gramophone

First recorded in 1887; originally a trademark; apparently inversion of phonogram now obsolete name for a phonographic cylinder

Compare meaning

How does gramophone compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• phonograph vs. gramophone

Example Sentences

In 1887 German-American inventor Emile Berliner invented the flat shellac disk, quickly saw its advantage for mass production, and patented a device to play them, the gramophone, that same year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026

"I want to dedicate this award to all the people who had to leave their homeland, their country to follow their dreams," Bad Bunny said as he accepted his groundbreaking gramophone.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

Her golden gramophone trophy marks her out as one of pop's most promising new names, joining former best new artist winners like Amy Winehouse, Billie Eilish, Adele and Olivia Rodrigo.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026

After 26 years, Eve was given a golden gramophone Thursday night during the Recording Academy Honors presented by the Black Music Collective in front of a star-studded audience.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

Sort of thing you do when you’re ten, about the age I took Gran’s gramophone to bits.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein

Related Words

• stereo