What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
victrola
Example
My grandfather still has his old Victrola from the 1920s. [victrola: noun]
Example
The Victrola was a popular phonograph in the early 20th century. [victrola: proper noun]
gramophone
Example
The gramophone was a revolutionary invention in the late 19th century. [gramophone: noun]
Example
I found an old gramophone at a garage sale and decided to restore it. [gramophone: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gramophone is more commonly used than Victrola in everyday language, as it is a generic term that can be applied to various types of phonographs. Victrola is less common and is often used to refer specifically to antique or vintage phonographs produced by the Victor Talking Machine Company.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between victrola and gramophone?
Both Victrola and gramophone are associated with a formal and historical tone, as they are antique or vintage devices. However, Victrola may be considered slightly more informal due to its association with nostalgia and sentimentality.
