digital
DIHD-zhihtl
Digital (adjective) means using or storing information as discrete numerical values rather than a continuous signal, as computers do. Example: “The museum keeps a digital copy of every old photograph in its collection.”
adjective
1
Using or storing information as discrete numerical values rather than a continuous signal, as computers do.
"The museum keeps a digital copy of every old photograph in its collection."
"She switched from a film camera to a digital one."
"The company is moving all its records to a digital format."
2
Relating to computers, the internet, or modern electronic technology generally.
"Many schools now teach digital skills such as typing and online safety."
"Her grandmother joined a class to become more confident with digital devices."
"The agency runs the brand’s entire digital marketing strategy."
How to use digital
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAnything based on computer data (as opposed to analog or physical), or generally to do with computers and the internet.
Common pairings
digital age
digital media
go digital
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Etymology
From Latin digitalis, "of the finger," from digitus — the modern computing sense comes from digits (0s and 1s) being the basic units of digital data.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for digital
See all rhymes for digital →Frequently asked questions
What does “digital” mean?
The word “digital” means using or storing information as discrete numerical values rather than a continuous signal, as computers do. In plain terms, anything based on computer data (as opposed to analog or physical), or generally to do with computers and the internet.
How do you pronounce “digital”?
“Digital” is pronounced DIHD-zhihtl (/ˈdɪd͡ʒɪtl̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “digital” in a sentence?
Here is “digital” used in a sentence: “She switched from a film camera to a digital one.”
What is the opposite of “digital”?
The opposite of “digital” — its antonyms — are nondigital, undigital, analog, analogue and continuous.
What part of speech is “digital”?
“Digital” is an adjective.
Where does the word “digital” come from?
The word “digital” comes from Latin. From Latin digitalis, "of the finger," from digitus — the modern computing sense comes from digits (0s and 1s) being the basic units of digital data.
Is “digital” a common word?
“Digital” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “digital” have?
“Digital” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: using or storing information as discrete numerical values rather than a continuous signal, as computers do.
What is the difference between digital and analog?
Digital stores information as discrete numerical values, usually the ones and zeros a computer uses. Analog represents information as a continuous, smoothly varying signal, like the groove on a vinyl record or the hands of a clock. Digital data can be copied exactly; analog signals gradually lose quality.
What are examples of digital technology?
Computers, smartphones, and tablets are digital, along with digital cameras, streaming music and video, e-books, and online banking. Anything that captures, stores, or sends information as numbers rather than a continuous physical signal counts as digital, which today includes most of the devices and services people use daily.
Does digital always relate to computers?
Mostly, but not always. The word comes from 'digit,' meaning a finger or a numeral, so it originally related to counting on fingers. Today it usually means computer-based or electronic, as in digital media. It can still describe anything expressed in numbers rather than a continuous measurement.
What does it mean to 'go digital'?
Going digital means switching from physical or analog methods to electronic, computer-based ones. A business that goes digital might replace paper records with databases, or sell online instead of only in shops. The phrase captures the broad shift from tangible formats to information stored and shared as data.
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