: a device that uses videocassettes for recording and playing back videotapes

Word History

Etymology

videocassette recorder

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of VCR was in 1971

Dictionary Entries Near VCR

Cite this Entry

“VCR.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/VCR. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

: a device for recording (as television programs) on videocassettes and playing them back
Etymology

videocassette recorder

More from Merriam-Webster on VCR

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


What Did You Just Call Me?

  • brown chihuahua sitting on the floor with squinting eyes looking at the camera
  • Before we went to her house, Hannah told us her aunt was a flibbertigibbet.
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY