stereo

/ˈstɛ.ɹi.əʊ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: stereos · stereoing · stereoed

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A system of recording or reproducing sound that uses two or more channels, each playing a portion of the original sound at different locations in order to simulate the separation of sources along at least one spatial dimension.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Any object or device equipped with audio components that reproduces sound in stereo, such as a stereo console in the home.

NounRegister: dated

Examples

He liked to listen to classical music on his stereo.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Of sound, music, etc, recorded in stereo.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

Of a pair of images: one depicting the view as would be seen from one eye and the other from the other eye, so that when viewed appropriately, they combine to give an impression of three dimensions.

Adjective

Examples

One could easily do this with stereo photographs, but one could also do it by making a pseudoscope, with a short cardboard tube and mirrors, […]

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “stereo” mean?

A system of recording or reproducing sound that uses two or more channels, each playing a portion of the original sound at different locations in order to simulate the separation of sources along at least one spatial dimension.

Is “stereo” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.