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Glite Dictionary
VCR

VCR

110 3.2
A machine that plays and records video on tape
  • noun
  • /ˈviːˌsiːˈɑːr/
  • Archaic
translation icon : videograbadora
  • Alan slipped a tape into a VCR and electronically connected it to the appropriate monitor.
  • television and VCRs
  • TVs and VCRs
  • DVD players and VCRs

We still got VCR tapes, but not a lot of them.

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Examples

  • So we watched a video together on an antiquated VCR, white static flickering across the picture.

    Fiction book (1995)

  • To record shows on cable, you need to set up the VCR correctly with the antenna.

  • Now, how many of you can turn the VCR on for your TV?

  • You want me to bring the VCR over here so we can watch this?

    Fiction book (1994)

  • My mom owned a VCR repair shop.

  • We still got VCR tapes, but not a lot of them.

    The 85 South Comedy Show

  • I don't even know how to work a VCR, let alone a computer!

    Fiction book (1995)

  • I can't believe there's a VCR in here.

    Now and Then (1995)

  • So get yourself a VCR, go on eBay, find the VHS tapes.

  • We connected the VCR to the TV so we could watch our favorite movies on tape.

Synonyms

videocassette recorder
vsVCR
  • Archaic
1 4.3

A machine that records and plays television shows on tape

is the same device but named in a short abbreviated form
magnetic recorder
vsVCR
  • Specialized
4.0

A device that uses magnetic tape or disk to save sound, pictures and data

is limited to recording television programs on tape cassettes rather than other media

Surface Forms

VCR singular
VCRs plural

Morphology

VCR = video + cassette + recorder (semi-transparent) = V + C + R

Formed as an acronym from the initial letters of 'video cassette recorder' so the meaning is directly related to those words, but learners must know the expanded phrase to interpret the letters.

Etymology

VCR comes from the three words video ('to see'), cassette ('small box' or 'case'), and recorder ('to record' or 'keep a copy'). So, a VCR is literally a machine that 'keeps' moving pictures on a small tape box, which is why it records and plays TV shows and home movies.