registry

noun

reg·​is·​try ˈre-jə-strē How to pronounce registry (audio)
plural registries
Synonyms of registrynext
1
: registration, enrollment
2
: the nationality of a ship according to its entry in a register : flag
3
: a place of registration
4
a
: an official record book
b
: an entry in a registry

Synonyms of registry

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Examples of registry in a Sentence

the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles got a copy of the couple's bridal registry from the store's computer and scanned it for items we could afford
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Second-tier offenses call for a minimum of 20 years and third tier crimes could result in a lifetime on the registry. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 For Shen, the growing registry represents more than statistics. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026 People could only be placed on the registry after a hearing where the allegations against them were substantiated. — Matthew Kelly july 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026 Governments relied on financial infrastructure – bank messaging systems, insurance markets, shipping registries and port access rules – to restrict trade without physically stopping ships. — John Calabrese, The Conversation, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for registry

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 4a

Time Traveler
The first known use of registry was in 1589

Phrases Containing registry

Browse Nearby Words

registrer
registry
registry office
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Registry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/registry. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

registry

noun
reg·​is·​try ˈrej-ə-strē How to pronounce registry (audio)
plural registries
1
: registration sense 3
2
: a place of registration
3
a
: a book in which things are recorded exactly and legally
b
: something recorded in a registry

Medical Definition

registry

noun
reg·​is·​try ˈrej-ə-strē How to pronounce registry (audio)
plural registries
1
: a place where data, records, or laboratory samples are kept and usually are made available for research or comparative study
a cancer registry
2
: an establishment at which nurses available for employment are listed and through which they are hired

Legal Definition

registry

noun
reg·​is·​try ˈre-jə-strē How to pronounce registry (audio)
plural registries
1
: registration
an instrument filed for registry in the conveyance records—Louisiana Civil Code
2
: the nationality of a ship according to its entry in a register
3
: a place of registration : a place where official records and documents are kept
the registry of motor vehicles
registry of deeds

More from Merriam-Webster on registry

Nglish: Translation of registry for Spanish Speakers

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