1. In Roman Antiquity, a tablet on which the praetor's edicts and other public notices were recorded: An album provided information for the public and was afterwards extended to other lists.
2. A blank book in which to insert autographs, memorial verses, original drawings, or other souvenirs: Lynn's Mom bought an album before going on a summer trip to Alaska in order to save all the little interesting keepsakes and small relics.
3. A book at public places in which visitors enter their names: In the museum, there was an album in which those visiting could write in their names.

According to Samuel Johnson in his A Dictionary of the English Language, an album is a book in which foreigners have long been accustomed to inserting the autographs of celebrated people.