English Reference

Word

recorder

US/ɹiˈkɔɹdɝ/

UK/ɹɪkˈɔːdɐ/

Definitions

01electronic device

A2 · Elementary Countable noun Computing

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

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

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

“The technician checked the flight data recorder to determine the exact sequence of events leading up to the engine failure.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

02musical instrument

A2 · Elementary Countable noun Music

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

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

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

“The ensemble performed a series of Baroque sonatas specifically composed for the treble recorder and harpsichord.”

Synonyms

03person who keeps records

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Formal

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

n. an individual appointed to maintain official records or document proceedings.

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

“As the official recorder for the historical society, she was responsible for archiving all correspondence from the nineteenth century.”

04judicial officer

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law British English · Formal

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

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

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

“The newly appointed recorder presided over the criminal proceedings with a reputation for strict adherence to sentencing guidelines.”

Synonyms

Etymology

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.

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

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

Word family

Domain

Electronics

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Frequent
Level
A2 · Elementary
Updated

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English Reference