What does prerecorded mean?
Prerecorded means that something—especially a speech, interview, message, performance, or other audio or video—has been recorded before it is shown, heard, or broadcast. The term is especially common in journalism, broadcasting, public relations, education, and business communication. A prerecorded item can be edited and prepared in advance, allowing producers to control its wording, timing, and presentation, while still being presented to an audience as part of a live or scheduled program. The word is also used to distinguish prepared media from material captured at the moment, as in “prerecorded highlights.” Its use does not necessarily imply that the content is false or insincere, though it may indicate that it was not recorded live. In general usage, prerecorded is the standard spelling, although “pre-recorded” is also widely accepted.
adjectiveRecorded in advance of an event, broadcast, or presentation rather than being captured live or at the time of use. It commonly describes audio, video, interviews, messages, and performances.
- Recorded before the event, broadcast, presentation, or intended use rather than captured live.
"The station aired a prerecorded message from the mayor while reporters were still at the scene."
"The emergency message was prerecorded so it could be broadcast immediately."
"She watched a prerecorded lecture instead of joining the live seminar."
A prerecorded broadcast can look spontaneous to the audience while giving its producers complete control over timing, wording, and content.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prerecorded come from?
The word combines the prefix pre-, meaning “before,” with recorded, the past participle of record. The prefix comes from Latin prae, “before,” while record ultimately derives from Latin recordari, meaning “to call back” or “to remember.” The combined form developed in the modern period as broadcasting and recorded media became common.
Related word forms
How prerecorded is actually used
Common in journalism, broadcasting, public relations, education, and business. It is often used with audio or video and can imply that the item is being replayed rather than transmitted live.
Easily confused with prerecorded
A prerecorded item was prepared before its presentation or publication, whereas a recorded item may have been captured live or recorded at any time.