turntable
TERN-tay-buhl
/ˈtɜːnteɪbəl/
A circular, rotating platform on a record player that supports and spins a phonograph record, or the entire record player unit used by DJs.
In DJ culture, a turntable is not just a playback device but an active musical instrument used for scratching, backspinning, and physical manipulation of sound.
The story behind the word. Originally, 'turntable' referred to the massive revolving platforms used by railways to turn locomotives around. In the early 20th century, the term was adopted to describe the spinning platter of a phonograph.
Word relationships
- record player: Record player is a consumer term for a device meant for listening, while turntable often implies a professional, high-torque unit used by DJs or audiophiles.
- phonograph: Phonograph is an archaic term for early record players, rarely used in modern electronic music contexts.
Commonly confused with
- CDJ: A CDJ is a digital media player that mimics the layout of a turntable but plays digital files instead of physical vinyl records.
Word family
- turntablist (noun): A DJ who uses turntables as musical instruments to manipulate sound through scratching and mixing.
- turntablism (noun): The art of manipulating sounds and creating music using turntables.
Collocations
- direct-drive turntable
- turntable platter
- spin on the turntable
Example sentences
- "He carefully placed the needle onto the vinyl spinning on the heavy, direct-drive turntable." A description of a classic vinyl DJ setup.
- "Sales of audiophile turntables have surged as a new generation discovers the warmth of analog sound." An article on the revival of physical music formats.
Memory hook
It is literally a table that turns physical records. The table that turns the vinyl.
When not to use
Do not use when referring to digital media players (CDJs) that do not use physical vinyl records, even if they have jog wheels that mimic turntables.
Fun facts
- The Technics SL-1200, released in 1972, became the industry-standard turntable because its direct-drive motor was strong enough to withstand the physical abuse of scratching.
Related words
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