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); 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 song is part of an album he’s recording called “Odenkirk Sings Nutter,” featuring comedy numbers written by writer and playwright Mark Nutter, a longtime friend.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

The first vocal recording, made in April by Irving Kaufman, was notable for two reasons.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Moya Brennan went on to enjoy a successful solo career, recording her first individual album, Máire, in 1992.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Eligible nominees into the Rock Hall must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to being nominated.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

I had made up my mind that recording both of my grandparents’ stories was an important project not just for school, but for me and my family.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh