What does register mean?
Register is a versatile word used for both an act of recording and the record, list, range, or style that results from it. As a noun, it commonly means an official book or list containing names or entries, as in a hotel register or a public register. It can also refer to a range or level, such as a high register of difficulty or speed, and to a style of language associated with a particular social or professional setting. As a verb, register means to enter someone or something in an official record, enroll a participant, make a fact known, become displayed or recognized, or achieve a measurable value. The word is therefore useful wherever the ideas of recording, ordering, belonging, or appearing within a system are involved. In modern usage, “register” also has a strongly administrative or institutional association when it refers to official lists and enrollment procedures.
A book, list, or official record in which entries are made; also a range or level within a scale, a style of language, or a cash-recording device.
"The court clerk added the new case to the register."
To record information, enroll or arrange for participation, become known or displayed, or attain a specified value.
"Hundreds of students registered for the online course."
The plural registers is standard for separate record books, lists, or devices. Some abstract senses, such as a register of language or a range within a scale, are normally used without a plural.
"The official registers record each visitor's name and time of arrival."
The word “register” began with the idea of keeping order: its Latin ancestor was associated with ruling, directing, and putting things into a written record.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does register come from?
The word comes through Latin and medieval French from Latin registrum, meaning a record, list, or register. Latin registrum is associated with regere, “to rule, direct, or put in order,” reflecting the original sense of arranging information systematically. English later developed many figurative meanings, including enrollment, language style, and measurement within a scale.
Related word forms
How register is actually used
Register is highly polysemous, so the surrounding context usually determines the intended meaning. In discussions of language, “register” refers to a socially or contextually appropriate style of speaking and writing, such as formal, informal, legal, or technical. The verb “register” can mean to enroll, record officially, become known, or attain a value, while the noun “register” can denote a record book, list, scale, range, style, or cash device.
Easily confused with register
A register is an individual record book, list, or account, whereas a registry is a collection or system of official records and the place where they are kept.