tape recorder

American  

noun

1. an electrical device for recording or playing back sound, video, or data on magnetic tape.

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tape recorder British  

noun

1. an electrical device used for recording sounds on magnetic tape and usually also for reproducing them, consisting of a tape deck and one or more amplifiers and loudspeakers

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Etymology

Origin of tape recorder

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tape recorder

In June 1981, before becoming president, he survived a bombing claimed by the Mujahedin-e Khalq group, when an explosive device concealed in a tape recorder detonated during a speech.

From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026

Khamenei survived an assassination attempt in 1981, when explosives hidden in a tape recorder injured him and deprived him for life of the use of his right arm.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 1, 2026

“Kissinger” teases viewers with an animated credit sequence prominently featuring a tape recorder.

From Salon ● Nov. 1, 2025

"Don't know if I'm really wanting the fame / Something tells me I'm a bit smarter than that," she sang into her tape recorder.

From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2025

I placed the plant back on the ledge and went to shut off the tape recorder.

From "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom

Related Words

• cassette recorder