noun
Uncommon
dit
diht
Dit (noun) means In Morse code, the short signal represented by a dot (as opposed to a "dah"). Example: “The operator tapped out a quick dit-dit-dah.”
noun
1
In Morse code, the short signal represented by a dot (as opposed to a "dah").
"The operator tapped out a quick dit-dit-dah."
verb
1
A dialect word (Scots and northern English) meaning to block or close up an opening.
"They ditted the drainpipe with a rag to stop the leak."
How to use dit
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost commonly heard today as the "dot" sound in Morse code; the "to block up" sense is regional/dialect.
Common pairings
dit and dah
dit the pipe
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Word forms
- Plural
- dits
- Third person singular
- dits
- Past tense
- ditted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The operator tapped out a quick _____-dit-dah.
Etymology
From Old English dyttan ("to stop up, close"); the Morse code sense is a later, unrelated coinage imitating the sound of the short signal.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “dit” mean?
The word “dit” means in Morse code, the short signal represented by a dot (as opposed to a "dah"). In plain terms, most commonly heard today as the "dot" sound in Morse code; the "to block up" sense is regional/dialect.
How do you pronounce “dit”?
“Dit” is pronounced diht (/dɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “dit” in a sentence?
Here is “dit” used in a sentence: “The operator tapped out a quick dit-dit-dah.”
What part of speech is “dit”?
Depending on how it is used, “dit” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “dit” come from?
The word “dit” comes from Old English. From Old English dyttan ("to stop up, close"); the Morse code sense is a later, unrelated coinage imitating the sound of the short signal.
Is “dit” a common word?
“Dit” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “dit” have?
“Dit” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in Morse code, the short signal represented by a dot (as opposed to a "dah").
