video record: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumNeutral to Technical
Quick answer
What does “video record” mean?
To capture moving images and sound, typically using a camera, for later playback or archiving.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To capture moving images and sound, typically using a camera, for later playback or archiving.
The act of creating a permanent audiovisual file or physical medium of an event, scene, or broadcast. Also refers to the resulting recording itself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant syntactic difference. The phrase is equally understood but slightly formal/technical in both variants.
Connotations
Tends to sound more formal or explicitly technical compared to simple "record" or "film".
Frequency
Low in everyday speech in both regions. More common in technical manuals, instructions, or legal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “video record” in a Sentence
[Subject] video record [Object]To video record [Object] [Adverbial (e.g., for evidence)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “video record” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Please video record the lecture for absent colleagues.
- The CCTV is programmed to video record motion after hours.
American English
- Make sure to video record the graduation ceremony.
- The police officer was authorized to video record the interaction.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use for this phrase]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use for this phrase]
adjective
British English
- The video record function is activated by the red button.
- We need a video record copy of the broadcast.
American English
- Check the video record settings before you start.
- A video record log was maintained for evidence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in policies regarding meetings, presentations, or training sessions (e.g., 'We must video record the board meeting for the archives').
Academic
Used in research methodology for data collection (e.g., 'The experiment was video recorded for later analysis').
Everyday
Rare; simpler terms like 'record' or 'film' are preferred (e.g., 'I'll record the kids' play on my phone').
Technical
Common in specifications, manuals, and legal language (e.g., 'The surveillance system continuously video records the premises').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “video record”
- Using 'video record' when 'record' is sufficient (redundancy).
- Incorrect stress: using noun stress (/ˈrek.ɔːd/) for the verb form.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is written as two separate words (an open compound). The hyphenated form 'video-record' is less common but sometimes seen.
'Video record' is more specific, implying the capture of moving images with sound. 'Record' can refer to audio only (like music) or data of any kind. In modern context, 'record' is often understood to mean video recording when the subject is visual.
Yes, but it is dated and specifically refers to recording onto magnetic tape (VHS, etc.). 'Video record' is a broader, medium-agnostic term suitable for digital recording.
Language economy. The verbs 'record', 'film', or 'shot' are shorter and equally understood in context. 'Video record' survives in formal, technical, or legal registers where unambiguous precision is required.
To capture moving images and sound, typically using a camera, for later playback or archiving.
Video record is usually neutral to technical in register.
Video record: in British English it is pronounced /ˌvɪd.i.əʊ rɪˈkɔːd/ (verb); /ˌvɪd.i.əʊ ˈrek.ɔːd/ (noun), and in American English it is pronounced /ˌvɪd.i.oʊ rəˈkɔːrd/ (verb); /ˌvɪd.i.oʊ ˈrek.ɚd/ (noun). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none specific to this phrase]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a VIDEO camera creating a RECORD of an event. The two words directly state the action.
Conceptual Metaphor
CREATING A VISUAL COPY (The event is duplicated into a preservable, replayable form).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'video record' MOST naturally used?