Vinyl: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'vinyl' when referring to the material that records are made of or to emphasize physical records in the context of modern digital music.

• I prefer the sound of vinyl; it has a warmer tone
• Vinyl has made a big comeback among music enthusiasts

Use 'records' as a general term for physical music recordings, especially vinyl, but also includes CDs and tapes if the context is clear.

• The record store has a wide selection of genres
• I love browsing through old records at flea markets

Use 'LPs' (Long Plays) to specifically talk about full-length records, particularly in a historical context or among collectors.

• He has a vintage collection of 60s LPs
• They released their debut LP last year

Use 'albums' for a collection of songs by an artist, regardless of the format (digital, CD, or vinyl).

• Their latest album received critical acclaim
• I have all their albums on my Spotify playlist

Often used to refer to records, floor tiles, and wallpapers; typically associated with a retro or vintage vibe.

• He placed the vinyl on the turntable.
• The kitchen floor is made of vinyl tiles.

Typically used in construction and plumbing; stands for Polyvinyl Chloride and is known for its durability and resistance to chemicals.

• The pipes in the bathroom are made of PVC.
• PVC is commonly used for window frames.

A general term for a wide range of synthetic materials used in almost every aspect of daily life, from packaging to household items.

• She bought a plastic water bottle.
• The toy is made of durable plastic.

Usually refers to a substance used in making adhesives, varnishes, and plastics; also used in art and crafts for casting objects.

• The artist used epoxy resin to create the sculpture.
• The adhesive contains a strong resin.