English Reference
noun

album

n.
US /ˈæɫbəm/ UK /ˈælbəm/ al·bum UK spelling albums

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Music

    a collection of songs or music tracks released together as a single product.

    a collection of audio recordings issued as a single unit on any medium, such as a CD, vinyl record, or digital download.

    Simple

    The band is going into the studio next month to record their third album.

    In context

    The artist's debut album received critical acclaim for its innovative fusion of jazz and electronic elements, eventually reaching the top of the charts.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    a book with blank pages used for keeping photos, stamps, or other collected items.

    a book designed with pockets or adhesive pages for the preservation and display of photographs, stamps, or autographs.

    Simple

    We spent the evening looking through an old photo album from my parents' wedding.

    In context

    She carefully placed the rare Victorian stamps into her collection album, ensuring each one was protected by a clear plastic sleeve.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Archaic

    in Ancient Rome, a white board used for writing public notices.

    a white tablet or public register in Ancient Rome on which the praetor's edicts and other official announcements were inscribed.

    Simple

    The citizens gathered in the forum to read the new laws posted on the album.

    In context

    Historians noted that the praetor used the album to communicate essential legal changes to the Roman populace during the Republican era.


Borrowed from Latin album (“blank white writing tablet”), from albus (“white”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated