registry

noun

reg·​is·​try ˈre-jə-strē 

plural registries

1

: registration, enrollment

2

: the nationality of a ship according to its entry in a register : flag

3

: a place of registration

4

a

: an official record book

b

: an entry in a registry

Synonyms of registry

• list
• listing

Examples of registry in a Sentence

the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles

got a copy of the couple's bridal registry from the store's computer and scanned it for items we could afford

Recent Examples on the Web

Governments relied on financial infrastructure – bank messaging systems, insurance markets, shipping registries and port access rules – to restrict trade without physically stopping ships. — John Calabrese, The Conversation, 6 July 2026

Second-tier offenses call for a minimum of 20 years and third tier crimes could result in a lifetime on the registry. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Connect Supporters With Recipients Our registry facilitates lifesaving stem cell transplants for patients with blood cancer and similar diseases, based on rare genetic matches between donors and recipients. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

In 2025, the average wedding cost $36,000, an increase of $3,000 from the previous year, Bank of America said, citing data from registry site Zola. — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 4a

Phrases Containing registry

• gift registry
• registry office

Kids Definition

registry

noun

reg·​is·​try ˈrej-ə-strē 

plural registries

1

: registration sense 3

2

: a place of registration

3

a

: a book in which things are recorded exactly and legally

b

: something recorded in a registry

Medical Definition

registry

noun

reg·​is·​try ˈrej-ə-strē 

plural registries

1

: a place where data, records, or laboratory samples are kept and usually are made available for research or comparative study

a cancer registry

2

: an establishment at which nurses available for employment are listed and through which they are hired

Legal Definition

registry

noun

reg·​is·​try ˈre-jə-strē 

plural registries

1

: registration

an instrument filed for registry in the conveyance records

—Louisiana Civil Code

2

: the nationality of a ship according to its entry in a register

3

: a place of registration : a place where official records and documents are kept

the registry of motor vehicles

registry of deeds