register
REHJ-ih-stuh
Register (verb) means to add a name, item, or event to an official list or record. Example: “New students must register with the college before term starts.”
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."
"You need to register online before you can borrow books."
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."
"The scale registered a small increase in weight after the holidays."
3
To be noticed, understood, or taken in by someone.
"I told him twice, but it didn't seem to register."
"The shock of the news did not register until much later."
"Her name was familiar, but the face failed 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."
"Every guest must sign the hotel register when they arrive."
"The council keeps a register of all the licensed taxis."
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."
"Her singing voice moves easily into a higher register."
"Legal documents use a formal register that can feel hard to read."
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
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- registers
- Past tense
- registered
Fill the gap
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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."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for register
See all rhymes for register →Frequently asked questions
What does “register” mean?
The word “register” means to add a name, item, or event to an official list or record. In plain terms, to officially record something (or someone) on a list, or to show up as a reading or reaction.
How do you pronounce “register”?
“Register” is pronounced REHJ-ih-stuh (/ˈɹɛd͡ʒ.ɪ.stɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “register” in a sentence?
Here is “register” used in a sentence: “New students must register with the college before term starts.”
What is another word for “register”?
Words with a similar meaning to “register” include reserve, schedule, enroll and book.
What is the opposite of “register”?
The opposite of “register” — its antonyms — are unregister and deregister.
What part of speech is “register”?
Depending on how it is used, “register” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “register” come from?
The word “register” comes from Late Latin. From Medieval Latin registrum, from Late Latin regesta ("things recorded"), ultimately from Latin regerere, "to carry back, record.".
Is “register” a common word?
“Register” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between register and enrol?
The two overlap and are often swapped. "Register" means to put a name, item, or event onto an official list or record. "Enrol" specifically means to sign up as a member of something, usually a course or school. You register to vote, but you enrol in a class — enrolling is joining, registering is recording.
What does it mean to register something?
To register something is to record it officially on a list kept by an authority. You register a birth, a car, a business, or a trademark so that it appears in the proper records and is legally recognised. Registering makes the item or event official and traceable.
What is the difference between register and sign up?
They mean much the same thing, but differ in tone. "Sign up" is casual, everyday language — you sign up for a newsletter or a gym. "Register" is more formal and official, used for records that carry legal or administrative weight, such as registering to vote or registering a company.
What is an example of registering?
Adding your name to the electoral roll, recording a new car with the licensing authority, signing up officially for a university course, or logging the birth of a child are all examples of registering. Each puts a name, item, or event onto a formal, recognised record.
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