record player

American  

noun

1. phonograph.

---

record player British  

noun

1. a device for reproducing the sounds stored on a record, consisting of a turntable, usually electrically driven, that rotates the record at a fixed speed of 33, 45, or (esp formerly) 78 revolutions a minute. A stylus vibrates in accordance with undulations in the groove in the record: these vibrations are converted into electric currents, which, after amplification, are recreated in the form of sound by one or more loudspeakers See also monophonic quadraphonics stereophonic

---

Etymology

Origin of record player

First recorded in 1930–35

Compare meaning

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

• phonograph vs. record player

Example Sentences

These included a record player positioned on a table next to the bed for optimal roll-over needle drops and a disorganized assortment of motorcycle magazines and ’50s and ’60s 7” singles scattered across the floor.

From Salon • Mar. 4, 2026

Among the good doctor’s many artifacts are a record player and vinyl LPs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

Ten or 12 years ago, I went to my friend’s house in Los Angeles and he has a record player.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2025

However, rather than pressing the tip into the surface like a record player needle, the tip hovers just a single atom's width above it.

From Science Daily • Dec. 3, 2024

He got up, found a plug for the record player, and turned it on.

From "From the Desk of Zoe Washington" by Janae Marks