plural records
1
: an official written document that gives proof of something or tells about past events
There is no record of their first meeting.
Please submit your school records [=an official list of your classes, grades, etc.] with your application.
dental/medical/financial/court records
Unfortunately, there is no record of the transaction.
keep/maintain (good) records
2
a
—used to talk about the things that someone or something has done in the past
The candidate has a strong environmental record. [=has a history of voting for laws, supporting projects, etc., that help the environment]
a voting record
She has a good driving record. [=she has not had any car accidents, traffic tickets, etc.]
The company has a perfect safety record. [=the company has had no accidents, injuries, etc.]
The team had a losing/winning record last season. [=the team lost/won most of the games it played last season]
b
: criminal record
The defendant does not have a record. [=has not been arrested in the past for a crime]
3
: a performance or achievement that is the best of its kind
a new record for the high jump
He broke the record for the high jump. [=he jumped higher than anyone else had ever jumped]
She set a record for the most sales in the history of the company. [=she made more sales for the company than anyone else ever had]
He holds the world/Olympic record for the shot put. [=he has thrown the shot put farther than anyone else in the world/Olympics]
She holds the (team/school's) record for the most strikeouts in a game.
4
a
: a flat, round disc on which sound or music is recorded
He has a collection of old records.
play a record
—sometimes used figurativelyHe sounds like a broken record. [=he keeps saying the same thing over and over again]
b
: a musical recording on a record, CD, etc.
Have you heard the band's latest record?
a hit record [=a record or CD that is very popular and sells many copies]
—often used before another nounan independent record label/company [=a company that produces musical recordings]
She just signed her first record [=(more commonly) recording] contract.
records; recorded; recording
1
: to write (something) down so that it can be used or seen again in the future : to produce a record of (something)
Be sure to record all your business expenditures.
He recorded the incident in his journal. = The incident was recorded in his journal. = His journal recorded the incident.
The first recorded [=known] case of the disease occurred two years ago.
There are similar events all throughout recorded history.
2
: to show a measurement of (something) : to indicate (something)
The thermometer recorded 40 degrees below zero.
A seismograph is a device that measures and records the intensity of earthquakes.
3
: to store (something, such as sounds, music, images, etc.) on tape or on a disk so that it can be heard or seen later : to produce a recording of (something)
Please record the television program for me.
He recorded the birthday party with his new video camera.
He just recorded his latest album.
The show is recorded in front of a live audience.
The band spent all night recording.
ˈrɛkɚd
always used before a noun
: best or most remarkable among other similar things
We've had record temperatures. [=temperatures that are higher/lower than temperatures have ever been at this time of year]
He finished in record time. [=in the least amount of time ever]
A record number [=the highest number ever] of voters turned out for the election.
Gas prices are at a record high. [=higher than they have ever been]
Cite this Entry
“Record.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/record. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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