ENGLISH
REFERENCE

registry

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈɹɛdʒɪstɹi// UK //ɹˈɛdʒɪstɹi// reg·istry

n. an official list or database where important information is kept. You use this to record things like names, events, or computer settings so they can be found later.

n. an official record or database containing a list of items, names, or specific data points. In a technical context, refers to a central database used to store configuration settings and options for an operating system or software.


SIMPLE

The computer stores all your software settings in the registry.

CONTEXTUAL

Before you can get married, you must ensure your names are entered into the local civil registry.

COMPLEX

Advanced users occasionally modify the system registry to disable unwanted background processes, though incorrect changes can lead to significant operating system instability or boot failures.

Synonyms
Usage

Often used with 'the' when referring to a specific system database; frequently paired with 'entry' or 'key' in technical contexts.

© 2026 English Reference