record player: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral. Common in everyday speech, slightly dated as the technology is not current. Formal alternatives exist in technical contexts.
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 playerVocabulary
Collocations
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
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “record player”
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
Which of the following is the most precise modern synonym for a high-fidelity 'record player'?