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

The government, in its brief and in court, argued that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has the authority to terminate any parole program and gave adequate notice by publishing the termination in the federal registry. —Michael Casey, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2026

Casanova said the committee’s registry of political prisoners continues to grow, particularly since Thursday’s announcement, as relatives of previously undocumented detainees come forward seeking help. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2026

The country has a universal health care system and a centralized, national registry to keep track of patients. —Grayson Logue, Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2026

Four winners serve the autism community with a new emergency alert police registry, an annual rodeo, and the expansion of a riding and horsemanship program. —Sharon Chin, CBS News, 8 Jan. 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