record player: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

B2
UK/ˈrek.ɔːd ˌpleɪ.ər/US/ˈrek.ɚd ˌpleɪ.ɚ/

Neutral. Common in everyday speech, slightly dated as the technology is not current. Formal alternatives exist in technical contexts.

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Quick answer

What does “record player” mean?

A device that plays music stored on vinyl discs (records), consisting of a turntable, a tone arm with a needle, and an amplifier/speaker system.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A device that plays music stored on vinyl discs (records), consisting of a turntable, a tone arm with a needle, and an amplifier/speaker system.

Often used as a synecdoche or nostalgic term for a mechanical music playback system, and can refer to the turntable unit itself, separate from a separate amplifier and speakers.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in meaning. 'Record player' is understood and used in both varieties. In the US, the term 'phonograph' was historically common but is now largely archaic.

Connotations

Evokes a similar sense of nostalgia in both dialects. The term is not regionally marked.

Frequency

Equally frequent in both varieties for general reference to the device. 'Turntable' is equally common as a modern/specific term in both.

Grammar

How to Use “record player” in a Sentence

play [a record/something] on the record playerlisten to [music/the radio] on the record playerput [a record/something] on the record player

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
old record playerportable record playervintage record playerplug in the record playerneedle on the record player
medium
dusty record playercrank up the record playerlisten to a record playerrepair a record player
weak
antique record playerclassic record playerwooden record playerelectric record player

Examples

Examples of “record player” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • I'll record player that later. (INCORRECT - 'record player' is not a verb)
  • We should record the concert. (Correct use of the verb 'record')

American English

  • He tried to record player the meeting. (INCORRECT)
  • Did you record the game last night? (Correct use of the verb 'record')

adverb

British English

  • He played the music record-playerly. (NON-EXISTENT)
  • The music sounded good, playing record-player style. (Adverbial phrase)

American English

  • She listened record-playerishly. (NON-EXISTENT)
  • It worked perfectly, just like a record player. (Adverbial phrase of manner)

adjective

British English

  • She has a record-player collection. (Hyphenated compound adjective)
  • It was a record player needle.

American English

  • He bought a record-player cartridge. (Hyphenated)
  • That's a classic record player design.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rare. Might appear in retail (vintage electronics, nostalgia marketing).

Academic

Used in historical, cultural, or media studies contexts discussing audio technology.

Everyday

Common when referring to an old device in a home, attic, or when discussing vinyl records.

Technical

The term 'turntable' is preferred for technical specifications; 'record player' implies a consumer-grade, all-in-one unit.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “record player”

Strong

gramophone (UK, dated/historic)hi-fi (when referring to the whole system)

Neutral

turntablephonograph (dated)

Weak

music systemaudio systemsound system

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “record player”

digital streamerCD playerMP3 playerstreaming serviceBluetooth speaker

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “record player”

  • Spelling: 'recordplayer' (should be two words or hyphenated: record-player).
  • Confusing 'record player' (noun) with 'record' as a verb (to record a song).
  • Using 'disc player' or 'CD player' interchangeably.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Not exactly. A 'turntable' is specifically the rotating platter and tonearm component. A 'record player' typically refers to a self-contained unit with a turntable, amplifier, and often built-in speakers, like a portable unit.

It is somewhat dated as it refers to technology that peaked in the 20th century. However, it remains the standard general term for such devices, especially non-professional ones. 'Turntable' is more common for modern, high-quality units.

Yes, 'vinyl player' is a common contemporary alternative, especially among younger speakers who associate the medium with 'vinyl' rather than 'records'. It is perfectly understandable.

A 'gramophone' is an older, often wind-up or acoustic (non-electric) device from the late 19th/early 20th century. A 'record player' is generally electric and from the mid-20th century onwards. 'Gramophone' is also the traditional British term.

A device that plays music stored on vinyl discs (records), consisting of a turntable, a tone arm with a needle, and an amplifier/speaker system.

Record player is usually neutral. common in everyday speech, slightly dated as the technology is not current. formal alternatives exist in technical contexts. in register.

Record player: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrek.ɔːd ˌpleɪ.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrek.ɚd ˌpleɪ.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • Like a broken record (repetitive)

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

A player that plays records. Think of the word 'record' (the disc) and 'player' (something that plays). It's a very literal compound.

Conceptual Metaphor

N/A for this specific noun. The verb 'to record' uses the TECHNOLOGY IS A CONTAINER metaphor (sound is 'put into' a medium).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
After digging through the attic, we found my parents' old and a box of Beatles records.
Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the most precise modern synonym for a high-fidelity 'record player'?

record player: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples | Lingvocore