What does "recorder" mean?

1. (electronic device) a machine or device used to save sound, video, or data so you can listen to or watch it later. 2. (musical instrument) a simple woodwind instrument that you play by blowing into one end and covering holes with your fingers. 3. (person who keeps records) someone whose job is to write down or keep track of official information. 4. (judicial officer) a type of judge in certain courts, especially in the UK.

recorder

US //ɹiˈkɔɹdɝ// UK //ɹɪkˈɔːdɐ// recorder

1 electronic device (n.)
A2 Elementary Computing

a machine or device used to save sound, video, or data so you can listen to or watch it later.

an apparatus designed to capture and store audio, video, or data on a medium for subsequent reproduction.

Example

He used a small digital recorder to capture the interview in the noisy café.

Example

The technician checked the flight data recorder to determine the exact sequence of events leading up to the engine failure.
- device
- machine
- player
2 musical instrument (n.)
A2 Elementary Music

a simple woodwind instrument that you play by blowing into one end and covering holes with your fingers.

a woodwind instrument of the fipple flute family, characterised by an internal duct and eight finger holes.

Example

Many children learn to play the recorder as their first instrument at school.

Example

The ensemble performed a series of Baroque sonatas specifically composed for the treble recorder and harpsichord.
- flute
- pipe

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer

3 person who keeps records (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

someone whose job is to write down or keep track of official information.

an individual appointed to maintain official records or document proceedings.

Example

The court recorder typed every word the witness said during the trial.

Example

As the official recorder for the historical society, she was responsible for archiving all correspondence from the nineteenth century.
4 judicial officer (n.)
C1 Advanced British English Formal Law

a type of judge in certain courts, especially in the UK.

a legal officer or judge, typically serving in a municipal or provincial court.

Example

The case was heard before a recorder at the local crown court.

Example

The newly appointed recorder presided over the criminal proceedings with a reputation for strict adherence to sentencing guidelines.
- judge
- magistrate

Etymology 1

From Middle English recordour, borrowed from Old French recordour, from Old French recordeor, from Medieval Latin recordātor, from Latin recordor (“call to mind, remember, recollect”), from re- (“back, again”) + cor (“heart; mind”). By surface analysis, record + -er.

Etymology 2

From Middle English recorder, from record (“to practice (music)”); ultimately cognate with Etymology 1.