Album Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
📀
album
[ˈæl.bəm ]
Definitions
music
A collection of songs or musical compositions released as a single unit. Albums often have a cohesive theme or concept tying the songs together.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| album |
A collection of audio recordings issued as a single item on CD, record, or digital format. Common in both physical and digital music forms.
|
| record |
A general term for a single or collection of music recordings. Can also specifically refer to vinyl records.
|
| CD |
Compact Disc, a specific physical media format for storing music. Used when referring to the physical disc format rather than digital or other physical formats.
|
| LP |
Long Play record, typically a vinyl record. Often used by audiophiles and collectors who appreciate vintage or high-quality analog sound.
|
| playlist |
A curated list of songs that can be played sequentially or shuffled. Commonly used in digital music services and for personal collections.
|
Examples of usage
- She just released her new album yesterday.
- I love listening to old vinyl albums.
photography
A book or binder containing a collection of photographs. Albums are commonly used to preserve memories and share them with others.
Synonyms
photo album, photo book, scrapbook.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| album |
Used to refer to a collection of songs or musical tracks recorded on a single medium like a CD, vinyl, or digital platform.
|
| photo book |
Refers to a professionally printed book that contains photos, often with some text. These are usually created through a digital service and printed on demand. They can be used for commemorating special events like weddings, vacations, or as a professional portfolio.
|
| scrapbook |
A personal collection that includes photos, clippings, and other memorabilia. Often used in crafting and personalizing memories with added decorations, notes, and keepsakes.
|
| photo album |
Typically used for a physical book or binder where printed photographs are kept. Commonly used to store and display family photos, travel pictures, or any collection of printed photographs.
|
Examples of usage
- She put together a beautiful photo album of her trip to Europe.
- I enjoy looking through old family photo albums.
history
A blank book for the insertion of photographs, stamps, or pictures.
Synonyms
collector's book, memory book, scrapbook.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| album |
This is a general term for a book with photos, artwork, or other collectibles. It can also refer to a music album containing songs.
|
| collector's book |
This term is used for a book that contains items collected over time, such as stamps, coins, or other collectibles. It often implies a sense of value and rarity.
|
| scrapbook |
A scrapbook is a book containing various personal memorabilia, such as photos, notes, and small keepsakes. It is often enhanced with decorations and creative elements.
|
| memory book |
A memory book is intended to preserve memories, often documenting events, trips, or significant periods in someone's life. It carries an emotional significance.
|
Examples of usage
- She bought a new album to start her stamp collection.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- The Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' is often considered one of the best albums of all time, influencing the music scene greatly.
- 'The Dark Side of the Moon' by Pink Floyd spent over 900 weeks on the Billboard charts, showing the enduring impact of musical albums.
- Vinyl records saw a resurgence in popularity in the 21st century, with collectors seeking vintage albums.
Science
- Sound waves from music are recorded in a manner that allows them to be reproduced when played back, making albums a snapshot of audio.
- Research shows that listening to music can enhance brain functions and memory, making albums important for cognitive engagement.
- The way auditory information is structured in albums can significantly influence emotional responses and mood.
Visual Arts
- Photo albums serve as historical records, documenting personal and cultural histories through images.
- Art albums, like those published by artists, can showcase numerous works in a single volume, contributing to overall appreciation of the artist's style.
- Scrapbooking has become a popular way to create personalized visual albums, integrating various artistic styles with photographs.
Digital Evolution
- With the rise of digital technology, music albums are now often distributed as streams or downloads, changing how we consume music.
- Online platforms allow users to create digital photo albums that can be shared worldwide instantly, replacing traditional printed versions.
- Social media accounts often serve as a modern-day album, where photos and videos are curated to tell a story or share moments.
Origin of 'album'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'album' comes from the Latin word 'albus', meaning 'white', referring to a blank tablet for writing.
- Initially, in the 19th century, albums were used for collecting photographs, autographs, and other memorabilia.
- The use of 'album' to refer specifically to music collections became popular in the 20th century.
The word 'album' originated from the Latin word 'album', meaning 'white'. In ancient Rome, 'album' referred to a blank tablet on which public notices were inscribed. Over time, the term evolved to refer to a blank book for collecting things like photographs and stamps. In the modern sense, 'album' came to represent a collection of songs or pictures bound together in a cohesive unit for enjoyment and preservation.
See also: albums.