registry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Administrative, Technical
Quick answer
What does “registry” mean?
An official list or record, or the place where such records are kept.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An official list or record, or the place where such records are kept.
Can refer to a system for recording items (e.g., gifts, voters, software components) or an administrative office responsible for maintaining such records.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. 'Registry' is slightly more common in UK administrative contexts (e.g., 'Land Registry'). In US computing, 'registry' (Windows Registry) is a very specific technical term.
Connotations
UK: Strongly associated with government and official record-keeping (births, deaths, marriages, land). US: Strongly associated with gift lists (wedding/baby registry) and the Windows Registry.
Frequency
Comparatively frequent in both varieties, but the contexts of highest frequency differ.
Grammar
How to Use “registry” in a Sentence
the registry of [something]a registry for [something]listed in the registrymaintained by the registryVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “registry” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a shareholder registry or a company registry where legal entities are recorded.
Academic
Used for patient registries in medical research or data registries in scientific studies.
Everyday
Most commonly refers to a wedding or gift registry for selecting presents.
Technical
In computing, specifically the Windows Registry, a hierarchical database storing system configuration.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “registry”
- Using 'registry' for a simple, informal list (e.g., 'I made a registry of my favourite books').
- Confusing 'registry' with 'registration' (the process).
- Misspelling as 'registary' or 'registrey'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are often synonymous. 'Registry' can sound more formal, official, or permanent, and often refers to the physical place or office where registers are kept (e.g., a Registry Office). 'Register' is more commonly the book or list itself.
Yes. It can refer to a physical book in an office or a sophisticated digital database like the Windows Registry.
It is a government office where births, deaths, marriages, and civil partnerships are legally recorded, and where civil marriage ceremonies can take place.
No. The verb form is 'to register'. 'Registry' is only a noun.
An official list or record, or the place where such records are kept.
Registry: in British English it is pronounced /ˈredʒ.ɪ.stri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈredʒ.ɪ.stri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the registry”
- “off the registry”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a REGIStry as the official place where things are REGIStered.
Conceptual Metaphor
A REGISTRY IS AN OFFICIAL CONTAINER (for names, data, or items).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'registry' LEAST likely to be used?