English Reference

Word

registration

Phoneticsreg·is·tra·tion, stress on the third syllable

US/ˌɹɛdʒɪˈstɹeɪʃən/

UK/ɹˌɛdʒɪstɹˈeɪʃən/

Definitions

01signing up

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the act of putting your name on an official list for a course, event, or service.

n. the act of enrolling or recording a name in an official register.

“Registration for the summer swimming classes opens next Monday at the local pool.”

“The university streamlined the registration process by allowing students to upload their identification documents directly to the portal.”

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'for'.

Synonyms

enrollmentsigning up

02official record or document

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. an official document or record that proves you have signed up.

n. the document or entry that records an official act of registering.

“You must keep your car registration in the glove box in case the police stop you.”

“The clerk requested a copy of the birth registration to verify the applicant's eligibility for the grant.”

03vehicle plate number

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun British English

n. the specific set of letters and numbers on a vehicle's plate.

n. the unique alphanumeric identifier assigned to a motor vehicle.

“The witness managed to write down the car's registration before it drove away.”

“The automated system scans every vehicle's registration as it enters the car park to calculate the duration of the stay.”

Synonyms

license platenumber plate

04organ stops

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Music Technical

n. the choice of different sounds or 'stops' used when playing an organ.

n. the selection and combination of stops or registers in organ playing.

“The organist changed the registration between the verses to create a more powerful sound.”

“The composer provided specific instructions for the registration to ensure the reed stops would dominate the final movement.”

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the art of selection; countable when referring to a specific set of stops.

05printing alignment

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Technology Technical

n. the correct lining up of different colors or layers in printing.

n. the precise alignment of different plates or colors in a printing process.

“The colors on the poster look blurry because the registration was slightly off during printing.”

“Modern digital presses use optical sensors to maintain perfect registration throughout high-speed production runs.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “registration” in context.

Verb

01. complete the registration

“Please ensure you complete the registration before the deadline on Friday.”

verb + noun

02. confirm the registration

“The university will send an email to confirm your registration for the upcoming semester.”

verb + noun

03. require registration

“Most online courses require registration before you can access the study materials.”

verb + noun

Adjective

04. early registration

“Students who take advantage of early registration often receive a significant discount.”

adj + noun

05. formal registration

“The formal registration of the new company took several weeks to process.”

adj + noun

Noun

06. date of registration

“Your membership benefits will be active from the date of registration.”

noun + of + noun

07. registration fee

“The conference registration fee includes lunch and a digital copy of the proceedings.”

noun + noun

08. registration form

“You need to fill out the registration form and attach a recent photograph.”

noun + noun

Preposition

09. upon registration

“Upon registration, all new members are given a guided tour of the fitness center.”

prep + noun

Real-World Examples

“These are linked to your vehicle registration number, and amounts range from €5 to €40.”
The Local 14 Aug 2026
“The Scottish Government "will continue to urge the UK government, which holds powers on registration and licensing over off-road vehicles, to take action in this area", a spokesperson says.”
BBC News 22 Jul 2026

Etymology

From register + -ation.

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

Word family

NOUN

Domain

Music

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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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English Reference