A CD-RW is a CD which is capable of recording sound and images, for example from another CD or from the Internet. CD-RW is an abbreviation for 'compact disc rewritable.'
CD-RW in British English
noun
compact disc rewritable; a compact disc that can be used to record and rerecord
CD-RW in American English
(ˌsiˌdiˌɑrˈdʌbəlˌjʊ)
noun
a compact disc, blank when purchased, designed to be recorded on repeatedly by the consumer