phonograph

noun

pho·​no·​graph ˈfō-nə-ˌgraf 

: an instrument for reproducing sounds by means of the vibration of a stylus or needle following a spiral groove on a revolving disc or cylinder

Examples of phonograph in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Visitors can explore a museum featuring some of Edison’s 1,093 patents, including the phonograph and the incandescent light bulb, along with the research lab and gardens. —David Fischer, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2025

Someone had hooked up a phonograph to concert-quality loudspeakers. —Charles Pellegrino, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2025

By then, Jamie and his assistants had already filled 400 aluminum phonograph records with incriminating conversations. —Nick Woltman, Twin Cities, 28 June 2025

Both spacecraft carry a 12-inch golden phonograph record containing images and sounds of Earth curated by a team led by Carl Sagan, which was intended as a time capsule for any alien civilization that might someday intercept it. —Scott Snowden, Space.com, 18 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

phono- + -graph

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for phonograph

• autograph
• biograph
• cenotaph
• chronograph
• epigraph
• epitaph
• hodograph
• holograph
• hydrograph
• lithograph
• micrograph
• monograph

Kids Definition

phonograph

noun

pho·​no·​graph ˈfō-nə-ˌgraf 

: an instrument that reproduces sound recorded on a grooved disk

phonographic

ˌfō-nə-ˈgraf-ik

adjective

phonographically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb