A gramophone record ( also known as phonograph record , or simply record ) is an analog sound storage medium consisting of a flat disc with an inscribed modulated spiral groove usually starting near the periphery and ending near the center of the disc . When made of vinyl they were also known as vinyl records . A gramophone record , commonly known as a phonograph record ( in American English ) , vinyl record ( in reference to vinyl ) , or colloquially , a record , is an analog sound storage medium consisting of a flat disc with an inscribed , modulated spiral groove .