a record

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A written or stored account of facts or events that is kept so people can check it later.

   Grammar: Countable: a record, records; often used with keep, check, or on record.

   Patterns

   • keep a record of something
   • a record of something
   • on record

   The school keeps a record of every student's attendance.

   There is no record of the payment in our files.

   Her comments are on record, so everyone can read them.

2. 2nouncountablesport

   The best result ever achieved in a sport or activity.

   Grammar: Countable; often with break, set, or hold.

   Patterns

   • break a record
   • set a new record
   • hold the record for something

   She broke the world record for the 100 meters.

   He set a new record for the fastest time in the race.

   Our team still holds the record for most wins in a season.

3. 3nouncountable

   A thin round plastic disc with music or speech stored on it, played on a record player.

   Grammar: Countable; also called a vinyl record.

   Patterns

   • play a record
   • an old record
   • a record player

   My grandfather still plays his old jazz records.

   She bought a rare record at the market.

   The needle on the record player needs replacing.

4. 4nouncountable

   The facts known about someone's past behavior, especially whether it is good or bad.

   Grammar: Countable, usually singular in this sense: a good record, a criminal record.

   Patterns

   • a criminal record
   • a good record
   • have a record

   The manager has a strong record of finishing projects on time.

   The job application asks whether you have a criminal record.

   His poor safety record worried the inspectors.

Word forms

Common combinations

keep a record

Please keep a record of all your expenses.

break a record

The swimmer broke the record by two seconds.

a criminal record

A criminal record can make it hard to find work.

record player

They danced to music from an old record player.

on record

This is the hottest summer on record.

Synonyms and how they differ

file

A file is a collection of papers or computer data on one subject; a record is a single stored piece of information or a whole history.

document

A document is usually a written or printed paper; a record can be any stored information, including digital data.

Word family

recording noun

Sound or pictures that have been stored, such as a recording of a song.

recorder noun

A device that stores sound or data, or a simple musical instrument.

record verb

To store sound, pictures, or information: record a song, record the results.

Commonly confused: a record or record (verb)?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “a record”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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