Definition

1. Noun:

   • An official list or record: A book or system for keeping a formal, often public, record of names, events, or transactions.
   • A range or level: In music, a particular range of a voice or musical instrument with a characteristic sound quality (timbre). In linguistics, a level of formality in language.
   • A device for recording or regulating: A mechanical device, such as a cash register, that records amounts; or a movable plate for controlling airflow (e.g., in a heating system).
   • A temporary storage location: In computing, a small, high-speed memory location within a processor with a specific address for holding data.

2. Verb:

   • To record officially: To enter information, such as a name or event, into an official list or record.
   • To show or indicate: For a measuring instrument to show a particular value or reading; for a person's face to show a particular emotion or reaction.
   • To enroll or sign up: To put one's name on an official list, such as for a class, event, or to vote.
   • To send mail securely: To send a letter or package by a postal service that provides special handling and proof of delivery.
   • To be perceived or make an impression: To be noticed or to enter someone's awareness.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Please sign your name in the hotel register. (Official list)
  • The singer has a beautiful upper register. (Musical range)
  • The cashier opened the cash register. (Recording device)

• Verb:

  • You must register your car with the local authorities. (Record officially)
  • The thermometer registered 30 degrees Celsius. (Show a reading)
  • Did you register for the conference yet? (Enroll)
  • I need to register this important parcel. (Send securely)
  • Her disappointment registered clearly on her face. (Show an emotion)

Advanced Usage

• "Register as": To officially declare or record oneself in a particular category.

  • He registered as a student at the university.

• "Register with": To come to the attention of or make an impression on someone.

  • The full meaning of his words didn't register with me until later.

• "In/out of register": In printing, the correct/incorrect alignment of colors or plates.

  • The colors are perfectly in register on this poster.

Variants and Related Words

• Registration (n): The act or process of registering.

  • Vehicle registration is required by law.

• Registrar (n): An official keeper of records.

  • The university registrar handles student records.

• Registered (adj): Officially recorded or listed.

  • She is a registered nurse.

Synonyms

• Record (v/n): To set down in writing; a written account.
• Enroll (v): To put one's name on a list.
• Indicate (v): To show or point out.
• Log (v/n): To make a detailed record; the record itself.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Register for: To officially sign up to participate in something.

  • Over 500 people have registered for the webinar.

• Register with: To officially record your details with an organization or authority.

  • All foreigners must register with the police within a week of arrival.

Related Idioms

• A register of emotions: A phrase describing a face that clearly shows changing feelings.

  • His face was a register of emotions, shifting from joy to shock.

• On the register: To be officially listed, often for a specific purpose (e.g., a list of qualified professionals).

  • Is your doctor on the specialist register?

Noun

1. a cashbox with an adding machine to register transactions; used in shops to add up the bill
2. a regulator (as a sliding plate) for regulating the flow of air into a furnace or other heating device
3. an air passage (usually in the floor or a wall of a room) for admitting or excluding heated air from the room
4. (computer science) memory device that is the part of computer memory that has a specific address and that is used to hold information of a specific kind
5. a book in which names and transactions are listed
6. (music) the timbre that is characteristic of a certain range and manner of production of the human voice or of different pipe organ stops or of different musical instruments
7. an official written record of names or events or transactions

Verb

1. enter into someone's consciousness
   • Did this event register in your parents' minds?
2. send by registered mail
   • I'd like to register this letter
3. manipulate the registers of an organ
4. show in one's face
   • Her surprise did not register
5. have one's name listed as a candidate for several parties
6. indicate a certain reading; of gauges and instruments
   • The thermometer showed thirteen degrees below zero
   • The gauge read `empty'
7. be aware of
   • Did you register any change when I pressed the button?
8. enroll to vote
   • register for an election
9. record in a public office or in a court of law
   • file for divorce
   • file a complaint
10. record in writing; enter into a book of names or events or transactions