English Reference
noun

registration

n.
US /ˌɹɛdʒɪˈstɹeɪʃən/ UK /ɹˌɛdʒɪstɹˈeɪʃən/ reg·is·tra·tion UK spelling registration's, registration's

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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'.

    enrollmentsigning up
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate British English

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

    the unique alphanumeric identifier assigned to a motor vehicle.

    Simple

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

    In context

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

    license platenumber plate
  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Music

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced Technical Technical

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

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

From register + -ation.

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

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated