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

"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

So, to have a space that reflects the diversity of its programming often makes recording more fruitful, especially during key moments like the NFL draft or awards season.

From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2026

Each of the five recording studios at the Sycamore site is fully equipped with live-streaming technology — making the weekly Netflix live shows possible.

From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2026

She signed her first recording contract at the age of 15 and has scored four number one albums.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

Beginning that very month, Harvey's wiretap commenced recording thousands of classified conversations among Soviet and East German military officials.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau