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

While the original Roy Ayers recording is 50 years old, the song is a perennial, and especially alive in the summer — because it is a quintessential summer jam.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

"We have no reason to believe that there is underreporting not least because recording of accidents and injuries at work is a legal requirement under health and safety legislation," they said.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

“They’re pouring into this space and their creators,” Lathan said, before recording a new “Higher Learning” episode.

From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2026

The “Domine Deus,” for example, is a genuine virtuoso aria for tenor—it was a favorite of Luciano Pavarotti’s and Enrico Caruso sang it in his final recording session.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

Often she’d fall asleep in the theater and wake up just before the crackling self-guided tour recording announced that India became independent from the British in 1947.

From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi