Definition of “record” - English Dictionary

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“record” in English

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recordverb [ T ]

uk ​ /rɪˈkɔːd/ us ​ /rɪˈkɔːrd/

record verb [ T ] (STORE ELECTRONICALLY)

A2 to store sounds or moving pictures using electronic equipment so that they can be heard or seen later:

Cliff Richard has recorded more number one hit songs than any other British pop star.
We recorded their wedding on video.
I tried to call her, but all I got was a recorded message saying that she was away for the weekend.
Was the concert live or was it recorded (= made before being broadcast)?

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record verb [ T ] (STORE INFORMATION)

B2 to keep information for the future, by writing it down or storing it on a computer:

She records everything that happens to her in her diary.
Unemployment is likely to reach the highest total that has ever been recorded.
[ + that ] In his journal, Captain Scott recorded that he and his companions were weakened by lack of food.
The coroner recorded (= decided) a verdict of accidental death.

C1 If a device records a measurement, it shows that measurement:

The thermometer recorded a temperature of 30 degrees Celsius.

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recordnoun

uk ​ /ˈrek.ɔːd/ us ​ /ˈrek.ɚd/

record noun (INFORMATION)

B2 [ C or U ] a piece of information or a description of an event that is written on paper or stored on a computer:

The weather centre keeps a record of the weather.
This summer has been the hottest on record (= the hottest summer known about).

B2 [ C ] information about someone or something that is stored by the police or by a doctor:

A person's medical records are confidential.
He is well known to the police and has a long criminal record (= a list kept by the police of his previous crimes).

C2 [ C ] the facts that are known about a person or a company and the actions they have done in the past:

I won't fly with an airline that has a bad safety record (= whose aircraft have often had accidents).
for the record

› something that you say before you tell someone something important that you want them to remember:

And, just for the record, we were never any more than good friends.

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record noun (MUSIC)

B1 [ C ] a flat plastic disc on which music is recorded:

Would you like to listen to some records?

B1 [ C ] a song or music that has been recorded and is available for the public to buy:

The Beatles' first hit record was "Love Me Do".

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record noun (BEST)

B1 [ C ] the best or fastest ever done:

He ran the 100 metres in 9.79 seconds and broke/smashed the world record.
She set/established a new European record in the high jump.

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Idiom(s)

go on record
off the record
on the record
set/put the record straight

recordadjective

uk ​ /ˈrek.ɔːd/ us ​ /ˈrek.ɚd/

(Definition of “record” from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

“record” in American English

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recordverb [ T ]

us ​ /rɪˈkɔrd/

record verb [ T ] (STORE INFORMATION)

› to keep information for the future by writing it down or storing it on a computer:

She carefully recorded the events of the meeting.

› To record is also to use a device to measure an amount, rate of speed, etc. and show it:

Wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour were recorded.

record verb [ T ] (STORE SOUNDS/IMAGES)

› to put sounds or pictures onto magnetic tape or a computer using electronic equipment so that they can be heard or seen later:

The Beatles recorded many terrific albums over the years.
When I tried to phone her, all I got was a recorded message.

recordnoun

us ​ /ˈrek·ərd/

record noun (BEST)

› [ C ] the best or fastest ever done:

She set a new world record in the high jump.
Sales this season broke/shattered the record (= were better than ever before).

record noun (STORED SOUNDS/IMAGES)

› [ C ] a flat, plastic disk on which music is recorded

record noun (STORED INFORMATION)

› [ C/U ] a piece of information or a description of an event that is written on paper or stored in a computer:

[ C ] Did anyone make a record of what the president said at that meeting?
[ C ] All medical records are kept confidential.
[ C ] She has a long criminal record (= there is official information about many crimes she has done).
[ U ] This summer has been the hottest on record (= the hottest summer known about).

› [ C/U ] A person’s or organization’s record is the actions that have been done in the past, and esp. how well or badly those actions have gone:

[ C ] During his twenty years as a football coach, he compiled an outstanding record.

recordadjective [ not gradable ]

us ​ /ˈrek·ərd/

record adjective [ not gradable ] (BEST)

› at a higher level than ever achieved before:

Farmers in the Midwest are reporting a record harvest this year.

(Definition of “record” from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

“record” in Business English

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recordnoun

uk ​ /ˈrekɔːd/ us ​ /ˈrekərd/

› [ C ] a piece of written information about something that is kept so that people can refer to it later:

The records show that the company employed a staff of 300 in the 1990s.
Keep a record of all transactions.
It's important to maintain up-to-date financial records.
company/financial/personnel records
computer/electronic records

› [ C ] an achievement that is better than anything that has happened before:

set/hold/break a record Sales this year have broken all records.
Hotel bookings are at a pace to set a new record this year.

› [ S ] the previous behaviour and achievements of a person or an organization:

When it comes to dealing with shareholders, his record is impressive.
have a good/poor/excellent record on sth They have a very poor record on HR issues.
record as sth She defended her record as union chief during a lengthy interview.
be a matter of (public) record

› to be officially written down and available to the public:

His views on the proposed merger are a matter of public record.
be/go on record

› to say or write something officially so that it can be known by everyone:

I'm on record as saying that I support the new policy.
The chair went on record to say that the committee opposed the proposal.
My objections to the scheme are on record.
for the record

› used to show that you want something to be written down exactly, or if you want to correct something that someone has said:

For the record, I can categorically state that I was unaware of these developments.
Just for the record, my title is Dr. not Ms.
off the record

› used to show that what is being said is unofficial and should not be written down or told to other people:

He insisted that parts of his interview be off the record.
Speaking off the record, she admitted that she had doubts about the project.
on record

› written down in an official record:

Next spring's welfare benefit increases will be some of the smallest on record.
put sth on record

› to make sure that something is officially written down so that people will know what has been said or done:

I would like to put on record my disagreement with the conclusions of the meeting.

See also

attendance record
employer of record
holder of record
owner of record
shareholder of record
stockholder of record
track record

recordadjective [ before noun ]

uk ​ /ˈrekɔːd/ us ​ /ˈrekərd/

› at a higher level than ever achieved before:

Inflation has reached record levels.
The tax will hit a record number of taxpayers next year.

See also

record high
record low

recordverb [ T ]

uk ​ /rɪˈkɔːd/ us ​ /rɪˈkɔrd/

› to write down information about something so that people can refer to it later:

Participants were asked to record their activities in a weekly diary.
It is advisable to record all details of changes to the job description.

› FINANCE, ACCOUNTING to experience or show a profit or loss, or a rise or fall in value:

record a loss/gain/profit The firm recorded pre-tax profits of over $10 million.
We may be forced to record a loss this year.
Overnight the Dow Jones Industrial Average recorded its biggest one-day jump since early February.

(Definition of “record” from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

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