# digital

/ˈdɪdʒətəɫ/ (US) · /dˈɪdʒɪtəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/digital
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 1. computer technology

adjective · CEFR A2

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

For teachers: relating to or using computer technology, especially the internet and electronic devices.

- Most people prefer digital cameras over old film cameras because they are easier to use.
- The company is undergoing a massive digital transformation to move all its physical records into a secure cloud-based system.

### 2. discrete data

adjective · CEFR B2 · Technical

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

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

- A digital clock shows the time in numbers rather than using moving hands.
- Digital signals are generally more resistant to noise and interference than their analog counterparts during long-distance transmission.

### 3. relating to fingers

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

having to do with your fingers or toes.

For teachers: relating to or performed with the fingers or toes.

- The doctor performed a digital exam to check the patient's injury.
- The surgeon demonstrated high levels of digital dexterity while performing the delicate procedure on the infant's hand.

### 4. a finger

noun · CEFR C2 · Humorous · Informal

a funny or informal way to say 'finger'.

For teachers: a finger or toe. Used as a humorous or informal synonym for a digit.

- He accidentally hit his digital with the hammer while trying to fix the shelf.
- Keep your digitals away from the blade while the machine is in operation if you want to keep them all.

### 5. piano key

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

For teachers: a key of a keyboard instrument, such as a piano or organ.

- The pianist's fingers flew across the digitals during the fast part of the song.
- The ivory on the old piano's digitals had begun to yellow and crack after decades of neglect in the damp basement.

## Examples

- I prefer using a digital camera for my vacation photos.
- The company is moving all its paper records into a digital format to save space and improve security.
- The transition from analog to digital broadcasting allowed for significantly higher resolution and more efficient use of the available radio frequency spectrum.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.