phonograph

noun

pho·​no·​graph ˈfō-nə-ˌgraf 

: an instrument for reproducing sounds by means of the vibration of a stylus or needle following a spiral groove on a revolving disc or cylinder

Examples of phonograph in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Both spacecraft carry a 12-inch golden phonograph record containing images and sounds of Earth curated by a team led by Carl Sagan, which was intended as a time capsule for any alien civilization that might someday intercept it. —Scott Snowden, Space.com, 18 June 2025

The belief was that an alien being in outer space would come across the Voyager, be curious about what civilization sent out the spacecraft, and then play the phonograph. —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

Lionel learns to operate the phonograph, recording the songs on wax cylinders, while Paul takes down the lyrics and any information about the song’s origins. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025

The phonograph, the radio, and then electric guitars. —Nick Paumgarten, New Yorker, 19 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

phono- + -graph

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for phonograph

• autograph
• biograph
• cenotaph
• chronograph
• epigraph
• epitaph
• hodograph
• holograph
• hydrograph
• lithograph
• micrograph
• monograph

Kids Definition

phonograph

noun

pho·​no·​graph ˈfō-nə-ˌgraf 

: an instrument that reproduces sound recorded on a grooved disk

phonographic

ˌfō-nə-ˈgraf-ik

adjective

phonographically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb