registry
REJ-iss-tree
/ˈredʒɪstri/
An official list or record of items or names, or a service where expectant parents list wished-for gifts for guests to buy.
Implies an organized, official, or public listing system intended to coordinate gift-giving or administrative records.
The story behind the word. From Medieval Latin 'registrum', originating from Latin 'regerere', meaning 'to carry back' or 'to record'. Originally used for official public records before evolving into commercial gift lists in 20th-century department stores.
Word relationships
- wishlist: A wishlist is informal and uncoordinated, whereas a registry usually tracks purchased items to prevent duplicate gifts.
- catalog: A catalog presents items for sale generally; a registry tracks specific selections made by individuals.
Commonly confused with
- register: 'Register' can be a verb or the physical ledger, whereas 'registry' is the formal system, place, or compiled gift list.
Word family
- register (verb): To enter into an official record or gift service.
- registration (noun): The act of enrolling or entering information into a record.
Collocations
- gift registry
- baby registry
- civil registry
- land registry
Example sentences
- "The couple created an online gift registry so guests could choose items needed for the new baby." Baby shower planning
- "Birth certificates are stored at the local civil registry office." Official record
Memory hook
REGISTRY helps you REGISTER what you need so guests don't buy REPEAT gifts. A list to keep gifts organized.
When not to use
Do not use for informal personal wishlists that are not published through a merchant or registry service.
Fun facts
- Marshall Field's department store invented the modern wedding gift registry in 1924, which later expanded to baby registries.
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