Register
/ˈrɛdʒɪstər/
Definitions
6 meaningsAn official record containing a list of names or items.
/ˈrɛdʒɪstər/
An official record or list.
The teacher took the register to mark the students' attendance.
💡 Simply: Imagine a list where important things are written down, like when you sign up for a class or keep track of who's coming to a party. That list is a register!
👶 For kids: A list where you write down important things, like people's names.
More Examples
The company's register showed a profit for the year.
She checked the register to see if her name was on the list.
How It's Used
"The birth register contains information about the date and place of birth."
"The company keeps a register of all its shareholders."
A device that automatically records data, such as sales or measurements.
/ˈrɛdʒɪstər/
A mechanical device that records data.
The cashier rang up the items on the register.
💡 Simply: Think of the cash register at the store that keeps track of how much you spend when you buy a candy bar. That's a register!
👶 For kids: A machine that counts money or things.
More Examples
The credit card was declined at the register.
The register kept a record of all the sales.
How It's Used
"The cash register tallied up the total bill."
"The event recorder, which is a specialized register, tracked the events of the mission."
A particular range of tones or notes that a voice or instrument can produce.
/ˈrɛdʒɪstər/
A particular level or range of a voice or musical instrument.
The singer struggled to hit the high register.
💡 Simply: Think of singing, some singers can go really low, and some singers can hit very high notes. Those are different voice registers!
👶 For kids: How high or low your voice or a musical instrument sounds.
More Examples
The instrument had a wide range of registers.
The vocal coach helped her develop a stronger lower register.
How It's Used
"The singer had a beautiful high register."
"The voice coach taught her to control her lower register."
To enter or record something officially or formally.
/ˈrɛdʒɪstər/
To enter or record formally.
You need to register for the conference online.
💡 Simply: When you sign up for something, like a website or a class, you register, meaning you add your name to the list!
👶 For kids: To write something down in an official list.
More Examples
The company registered its new logo.
The voter registered to vote in the upcoming election.
How It's Used
"You must register your car with the DMV."
"The company registered a new trademark."
To show or indicate a particular feeling, effect, or reading.
/ˈrɛdʒɪstər/
To show or indicate something.
His voice didn't register any emotion.
💡 Simply: Your face might register surprise when you get a gift! That means your face shows that emotion.
👶 For kids: To show or tell something.
More Examples
The thermometer registered 100 degrees.
The audience registered their approval with applause.
How It's Used
"Her face registered surprise."
"The thermometer registered a high temperature."
To notice something specific and become aware of it.
/ˈrɛdʒɪstər/
To become aware of something through observation.
She registered the sarcasm in his voice.
💡 Simply: When something's new, different, or unexpected, your brain registers it. Like when you finally meet a new friend, or hear an announcement about something exciting.
👶 For kids: To notice and realize something.
More Examples
It took a moment for him to register what she had said.
The scientist registered a slight shift in the data.
How It's Used
"The detective registered the suspicious behavior of the suspect."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
register a complaint
To formally express dissatisfaction or objection.
"The customer registered a complaint about the poor service."
register with someone
To report or provide information about oneself or an item to a person or an organization.
"All students must register with the university."
From Middle English registre, from Old French registre, from Medieval Latin registr(um), from Latin regesta ('things recorded'), plural of regestum ('a thing recorded'), from regerere ('to record'), from re- ('again, back') + gerere ('to carry, bear').
The word 'register' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to a written list or record. Its use expanded over time to encompass various types of records and devices.
Memory tip
Think of a book where important things are written down. This book is a register.
Word Origin
"to record, to write down."