verb
register
REHJ-ih-stuh
verb
1
To add a name, item, or event to an official list or record.
"New students must register with the college before term starts."
"She registered the birth of her son at the town hall."
2
To show or record a reading, reaction, or piece of information.
"The thermometer registered a new record temperature."
"His face registered surprise when he heard the news."
3
To be noticed, understood, or taken in by someone.
"I told him twice, but it didn't seem to register."
noun
1
An official written record, or the book or system used to keep it.
"The teacher marked the register at the start of class."
2
The overall pitch range or level of formality of a voice or piece of writing.
"He switched to a more casual register when talking to friends."
How to Use Register
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo officially record something (or someone) on a list, or to show up as a reading or reaction.
Common mistake
The "linguistic register" sense (formal vs informal tone) is a separate, more academic meaning from the everyday "sign up" sense — context usually makes it obvious which is meant.
Common pairings
register to vote
register a complaint
cash register
register surprise
Word Forms
registered past tense, registers singular
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New students must _____ with the college before term starts.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin registrum, from Late Latin regesta ("things recorded"), ultimately from Latin regerere, "to carry back, record."