recorder

noun

re·​cord·​er ri-ˈkȯr-dər 

1

a

: the chief judicial magistrate of some British cities and boroughs

b

: a municipal judge with criminal jurisdiction of first instance and sometimes limited civil jurisdiction

2

: one that records

3

: any of a group of wind instruments ranging from soprano to bass that are characterized by a conical tube, a whistle mouthpiece, and eight finger holes

Illustration of recorder

• recorder 3

Examples of recorder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After reviewing the data, ICC officials are recommending the installation of new automatic flashing light signals, gates with bells, an event recorder, a remote monitor and constant warning track circuits, according to a report prepared by inspectors. —Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025

One major fan of the recorder in its Renaissance reign? —Abigail Covington, NPR, 16 July 2025

Tim Stringham is a Democratic veteran who ran unsuccessfully for Maricopa County recorder last year after spending 16 years in the Army and Navy, leaving active duty in 2022. —Ray Stern, AZCentral.com, 7 July 2025

The Lexus would hit a top speed of 81 mph, according to an electronic data recorder in the vehicle. —Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing recorder

• cockpit voice recorder
• flight data recorder
• flight recorder
• strip-chart recorder
• tape recorder
• videocassette recorder
• videotape recorder
• wire recorder

Rhymes for recorder

• camcorder
• disorder
• reorder
• suborder
• transborder
• boarder
• border
• corder
• order
• warder

Kids Definition

recorder

noun

re·​cord·​er ri-ˈkȯrd-ər 

1

: a person or device that records

2

: a musical instrument consisting of a usually wooden tube with finger holes and a whistle mouthpiece

Legal Definition

recorder

noun

re·​cord·​er

1

: a judge of a municipal court

2

: a public officer charged with making a record of writings or transactions (as conveyances)

a recorder of deeds