recorder: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “recorder” mean?
A person or device that records something, especially sound, video, or data.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or device that records something, especially sound, video, or data.
Commonly refers to a woodwind musical instrument, or an official appointed to keep legal or historical records.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the US, the 'musical instrument' sense is common but primary association is with a recording device. In the UK, 'recorder' often immediately brings the simple woodwind instrument to mind, especially in primary school contexts.
Connotations
UK: Strongly associated with childhood music lessons. US: More neutral, leaning towards technology.
Frequency
The 'instrument' sense is more frequent in UK English. The 'device' sense is dominant and equally frequent in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “recorder” in a Sentence
[verb] + the recorder (play, learn, blow into)[adj] + recorder (digital, hidden, professional, soprano)[recorder] + [verb] (records, captures, stores)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
A device for capturing meetings or conferences.
Academic
A historical official or a simple musical instrument used in early education.
Everyday
A device for recording audio/video, or the musical instrument.
Technical
A piece of electronic equipment for capturing data or signals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “recorder”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “recorder”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “recorder”
- Using 'recorder' to mean a person who creates new records (like in sports) – that's a 'record-setter'.
- Confusing 'recorder' (instrument) with 'flute' (a more complex, transverse instrument).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A recorder is a specific, simple woodwind instrument held vertically. A concert flute is a more complex, transverse (side-blown) instrument.
Yes, in formal contexts like law or history, a recorder is an official appointed to keep records of proceedings.
A 'recorder' typically refers to the physical hardware device. A 'voice memo' app is software on a phone or computer that performs a similar function.
The etymology is debated, but it may come from the verb 'to record' in its older sense of 'to practise a tune' or 'to sing'. Another theory links it to the bird ('record' meaning to sing like a bird).
A person or device that records something, especially sound, video, or data.
Recorder is usually neutral in register.
Recorder: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈkɔː.dər/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈkɔːr.dɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) easy as playing a recorder”
- “off the record”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a RECORDER in a COURT recording the ORDER of events.
Conceptual Metaphor
A RECORDER is a CONTAINER FOR EVENTS (it captures and holds moments in time).
Practice
Quiz
In a British primary school context, 'recorder' most likely refers to: