Synonyms of recordernext
1
a
: the chief judicial magistrate of some British cities and boroughs
b
: a municipal judge with criminal jurisdiction of first instance and sometimes limited civil jurisdiction
2
: one that records
3
: any of a group of wind instruments ranging from soprano to bass that are characterized by a conical tube, a whistle mouthpiece, and eight finger holes

Illustration of recorder

Illustration of recorder
  • recorder 3

Examples of recorder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dean Logan, registrar-recorder and county clerk for Los Angeles County, also said the issue is far from settled. Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026 Earlier this year, the judge granted permission to return it to the recorder’s office. Susan Sarkauskas, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026 Ownership does not depend on a county recorder, transfer agent, bank balance sheet, or corporate domicile. Dave Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Many bylaws or CC&Rs say that HOA owners or members are record owners, meaning that a deed is on file in the county recorder’s office documenting that the person is an owner. Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recorder

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of recorder was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Recorder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recorder. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

recorder

noun
1
: a person or device that records
2
: a musical instrument consisting of a usually wooden tube with finger holes and a whistle mouthpiece

Legal Definition

recorder

noun
re·​cord·​er
1
: a judge of a municipal court
2
: a public officer charged with making a record of writings or transactions (as conveyances)
a recorder of deeds

More from Merriam-Webster on recorder

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!