What does record mean?
Record is a versatile word whose central idea is the preservation or representation of information. As a noun, it can mean a written account, such as a medical record or historical record; a collection of recorded material, such as a music record; or the best result ever achieved in a competition or activity. As a verb, record means to note information, register an event, or capture sound and images. The phrase on record indicates that a statement has been made publicly and can be documented, while set a record refers to achieving a new highest standard. In everyday use, the word often suggests reliability, evidence, or formal documentation, though it can also refer more neutrally to an informal note. Its many meanings make it useful whenever something is being preserved, represented, or treated as an important standard of achievement.
An account of information, events, or observations preserved in writing or another medium; also, the best result previously achieved or a collection of recorded material.
"The court asked the witness to compare her testimony with the official record."
In formal and legal contexts, record often means an official or documentary account.
To set down, register, or preserve information, especially in writing; to capture sound, video, or other material.
"The officer recorded the statement and signed it at the end."
The verb is common in administrative, legal, media, and everyday contexts, with the medium of preservation determined by context.
Denoting a result or achievement that exceeds any previously recorded standard, especially in the expression record-breaking.
"The team responded to its record-breaking performance with an even better result."
This attributive use is especially common in compound expressions such as record-breaking and record-holder.
The plural records is used for multiple documents, pieces of information, recordings, or results.
"The archive contains records of the town's early history."
Record can mean a document, a best-ever achievement, or the act of capturing sound—three uses united by the idea of preserving something for later use.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does record come from?
English record comes through Old French record from Latin recordis, a form of recordari, meaning “to call to mind” or “to remember.” The Latin verb combines re-, meaning “again,” with cor or cordis, meaning “heart,” expressing the idea of bringing something back to the mind or heart. The word originally referred to something recalled or set down for remembrance, and its modern meanings extend from written accounts to recorded sound and film and from remembered facts to outstanding achievements.
Related word forms
How record is actually used
The noun is standard in both formal and informal contexts. In legal and administrative settings, record often emphasizes an official or documentary account, while the verb record can mean either writing something down or capturing audio or video. The attributive form is common in expressions such as record-breaking and record-holder.
Easily confused with record
A recorder is the person or device that makes a recording, whereas a record is the information or performance preserved.