noun
Uncommon
stereo
STEH-ree-oh
Stereo (noun) means a sound system or recording that uses two or more separate channels to give a sense of space and direction to the audio. Example: “Turn the stereo up, this song is great.”
noun
1
A sound system or recording that uses two or more separate channels to give a sense of space and direction to the audio.
"Turn the stereo up, this song is great."
"The album was remastered in stereo for the reissue."
"He bought a new stereo so he could play his old records properly."
adjective
1
Describing sound recorded or played through two or more channels, or images built to give a 3D effect.
"It's a stereo recording, so wear headphones to hear the full effect."
"The singer's voice comes through the left speaker on this stereo track."
"Our old television has a stereo output for connecting extra speakers."
How to use stereo
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSound (or images) that come from more than one channel or angle to create depth.
Common pairings
car stereo
stereo sound
stereo system
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Word forms
- Plural
- stereos
- Third person singular
- stereos
- Past tense
- stereoed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Turn the _____ up, this song is great.
Etymology
A shortening of stereophonic or stereotype, ultimately from Greek stereos, meaning "solid."
Synonyms
View more →
hi-fi
sound system
dual-channel
stereophony
stereophonic
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for stereo
See all rhymes for stereo →Frequently asked questions
What does “stereo” mean?
The word “stereo” means a sound system or recording that uses two or more separate channels to give a sense of space and direction to the audio. In plain terms, sound (or images) that come from more than one channel or angle to create depth.
How do you pronounce “stereo”?
“Stereo” is pronounced STEH-ree-oh (/ˈstɛəɹ.i.oʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “stereo” in a sentence?
Here is “stereo” used in a sentence: “Turn the stereo up, this song is great.”
What is the opposite of “stereo”?
The opposite of “stereo” — its antonyms — are mono, monophonic and monaural.
What part of speech is “stereo”?
Depending on how it is used, “stereo” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “stereo” come from?
The word “stereo” comes from Greek. A shortening of stereophonic or stereotype, ultimately from Greek stereos, meaning "solid.".
Is “stereo” a common word?
“Stereo” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “stereo” have?
“Stereo” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sound system or recording that uses two or more separate channels to give a sense of space and direction to the audio.
What is the difference between "stereo" and "mono"?
"Stereo" uses two or more separate audio channels to create a sense of space and direction in sound, while "mono" uses a single channel with no directional separation.
What is the difference between "stereo" and "surround sound"?
"Stereo" typically refers to two-channel audio, left and right, while surround sound uses multiple channels positioned around the listener to create a fuller, more enveloping effect.
Can "stereo" describe images as well as sound?
Yes, in imaging "stereo" describes photos or displays built to create a three-dimensional visual effect, a separate usage from its audio meaning.
Is "a stereo" the sound system itself?
Informally, yes: "a stereo" refers to the whole audio setup, such as speakers and an amplifier, used to play stereo sound.
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