Word
identifier
Phoneticsiden·ti·fi·er
US/aɪˈdɛntəˌfaɪɝ/
UK/aɪdˈɛntɪfˌaɪə/
Countable noun Computing
Definition
n. a unique name or label used to recognize a specific person or thing. In computing, it is the name you give to a variable or a piece of data.
n. a sequence of characters used to uniquely distinguish an entity within a specific system or context. In programming, it refers to the user-defined name of a variable, function, or class.
Examples
“Each user has a unique identifier in the database.”
“The compiler threw an error because the identifier started with a number, which violates the language's naming rules.”
“To maintain data integrity across the distributed system, the architecture assigns a globally unique identifier to every transaction, ensuring no two records can ever be confused during synchronization.”
Examples
simple
“Each user has a unique identifier in the database.”
contextual
“The compiler threw an error because the identifier started with a number, which violates the language's naming rules.”
complex
“To maintain data integrity across the distributed system, the architecture assigns a globally unique identifier to every transaction, ensuring no two records can ever be confused during synchronization.”
Usage
Commonly used in technical contexts; often abbreviated as 'ID' in informal speech or documentation.
Real-World Examples
“It depended on stable identifiers, which are labels or numbers that point to the same organization or event across different records.” “Zuckoff uses these identifiers to help users detect specific smart-glasses models while ignoring Bluetooth signals from less creepy devices.” Etymology
From identify + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/identifier