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

Under the resolution, initiatives attributed to Ramallah to create a parallel land registry in Area C were declared to have no legal validity or standing. —Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026

Weddings are another scenario where gifts are often expected, and there’s typically a registry attached to the invitation to make this easier. —Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 1 June 2026

To comply with a 1986 law preventing the creation of a federal gun registry, for example, the ATF uses software with some features disabled. —Alec MacGillis, ProPublica, 1 June 2026

To enter the sweepstakes, couples need to an Ooni oven or stand mixer to their online wedding registry and answer a short question. —Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 1 June 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