recording

American  

[ri-kawr-ding] / rɪˈkɔr dɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or practice of a person or thing that records.

2. sound recorded on a disk or tape.

3. a disk or tape on which something is recorded.

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recording British  

/ rɪˈkɔːdɪŋ /

noun

1. 1. the act or process of making a record, esp of sound on a gramophone record or magnetic tape

   2. ( as modifier )

      recording studio

      recording head

2. the record or tape so produced

3. something that has been recorded, esp a radio or television programme

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Etymology

Origin of recording

1300–50; Middle English (gerund); see record, -ing ¹

Explanation

A recording is the recorded audio that's stored on a tape or an electronic device. If you make a recording of your history class lecture, you'll be able to listen to it later when you study for the midterm exam (or when you want to nod off to sleep). The business of making and selling popular songs can be called "the recording industry," and you can also talk about a recording of your favorite jazz album. In addition to audio recordings, there are also video recordings, like the one you take of your little brother's dance recital or soccer game. Recording comes from the verb record, which we can trace back to the Latin recordari, "remember, call to mind, or be mindful of."

Example Sentences

The representative said on the recording there would be no charge and promised to have someone prepare a discharge plan.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

Phone numbers associated with the Perfect Child were disconnected or answered with an automated recording saying no one was available, including some used to conduct business as recently as Friday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

For Reeves, recording in an old-school L.A. studio — even as technology has made it easy to do it cheaply at home — was worth the considerable expense.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

"When I woke up," Javed said in the recording, "I could still smell it."

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

I keep listening to that new recording on Mars that you took.

From "A Rover's Story" by Jasmine Warga