English Reference
adjective · noun

digital

adj. · n.
US /ˈdɪdʒətəɫ/ UK /dˈɪdʒɪtəl/ dig·i·tal UK spelling digitals

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Computing

    adj.using computer technology or the internet to store or show information.

    adj.relating to or using computer technology, especially the internet and electronic devices.

    Simple

    Most people prefer digital cameras over old film cameras because they are easier to use.

    In context

    The company is undergoing a massive digital transformation to move all its physical records into a secure cloud-based system.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    adj.showing information as a series of numbers, like 0 and 1, instead of a continuous signal.

    adj.representing data as a series of discrete values, typically binary, rather than as a continuous physical quantity.

    Simple

    A digital clock shows the time in numbers rather than using moving hands.

    In context

    Digital signals are generally more resistant to noise and interference than their analog counterparts during long-distance transmission.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    adj.having to do with your fingers or toes.

    adj.relating to or performed with the fingers or toes.

    Simple

    The doctor performed a digital exam to check the patient's injury.

    In context

    The surgeon demonstrated high levels of digital dexterity while performing the delicate procedure on the infant's hand.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency HumorousInformal

    n.a funny or informal way to say 'finger'.

    n.a finger or toe. Used as a humorous or informal synonym for a digit.

    Simple

    He accidentally hit his digital with the hammer while trying to fix the shelf.

    In context

    Keep your digitals away from the blade while the machine is in operation if you want to keep them all.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency Technical Music

    n.one of the keys on a piano or a similar musical instrument.

    n.a key of a keyboard instrument, such as a piano or organ.

    Simple

    The pianist's fingers flew across the digitals during the fast part of the song.

    In context

    The ivory on the old piano's digitals had begun to yellow and crack after decades of neglect in the damp basement.

    key

Usage digital library · digital technologies · digital editor


Borrowed from Latin digitālis, from digitus (“finger, toe”) + -alis (“-al”), equivalent to digit + -al. Doublet of digitalis.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated