Definition

Noun: A small, flat, rectangular plastic case containing two reels of magnetic tape, used for recording and playing back audio or data.

Usage

A cassette tape is a physical medium for storing audio or other data. It is inserted into a compatible player or recorder to be used. * I found an old cassette tape of my favorite band from the 1980s. * Before digital files, people would record music onto a cassette tape. * The interview was saved on a cassette tape.

Advanced Usage

• "To dub a cassette tape": To copy audio from one cassette tape to another.
  • We used to dub cassette tapes to share music with friends.
• "A mix tape": A cassette tape containing a personally curated selection of songs, often made for a friend or romantic interest.
  • He made her a mix tape for her birthday.

Variants and Related Words

• Cassette (n): Often used interchangeably with "cassette tape," though it can refer to the case itself.
  • I need to buy a blank cassette.
• Audio cassette (n): Specifically denotes a cassette tape for sound recording.
  • The lecture was distributed on audio cassette.
• Videocassette (n): A cassette containing magnetic tape for recording video, typically larger than an audio cassette.
  • We watched movies on videocassette.

Synonyms

• Tape: A more general term for magnetic tape or a recording on such tape.
  • I listened to the tape of the meeting.
• Cartridge: A broader term for a container of material designed to be inserted into a machine.

Related Phrases

• Cassette deck/player/recorder: The device used to play or record onto a cassette tape.
  • The cassette player in my car is broken.
• To fast-forward/rewind a tape: To move the tape rapidly forward or backward.
  • Rewind the tape to the beginning of the song.*

Noun

1. a cassette that contains magnetic tape